The Sacrifice of Iphigenia 1635 - 1647

Pietro Testa created this etching, "The Sacrifice of Iphigenia," in 17th-century Italy, a time when artists frequently turned to classical mythology for subject matter, imbuing ancient stories with contemporary meanings. Here, we see the dramatic climax of the story: Iphigenia's sacrifice is averted by Diana, who sends a deer in her place. Testa's Rome was a vibrant center of artistic and intellectual exchange, heavily influenced by the Catholic Church and the patronage of wealthy families. The art academy was becoming more formalized, which helped dictate artistic taste. This image, with its references to classical antiquity, would have appealed to the educated elite, reinforcing their status. The image could also be seen as a commentary on the role of women in society, or perhaps even a critique of religious sacrifice. By studying the prints and drawings that were popular at the time, and reading the critical writings of art historians, we can get a richer sense of the context in which Testa was working, and the meanings his art may have held for its original audience.