The sacrifice of Iphigenia 1650 - 1700

"The Sacrifice of Iphigenia," an etching by Dutch artist Arnold van Westerhout, depicts a scene from Greek mythology. The composition is focused on the moment of sacrifice, where Iphigenia is about to be killed by her father, Agamemnon, in order to appease the goddess Artemis. The figure of Artemis appears at the top of the print, ascending on a cloud with a bow and arrow, suggesting her intervention. This work, dated between 1650 and 1700, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The detailed and expressive figures, along with the dramatic use of light and shadow, bring this ancient story to life for viewers.