The Sacrifice of Iphigenia 1789

Gaetano Gandolfi's 1789 painting, "The Sacrifice of Iphigenia," depicts the Greek myth of Iphigenia, the daughter of Agamemnon, who was sacrificed by her father to appease the goddess Artemis and allow the Greek fleet to sail to Troy. The scene shows Iphigenia being restrained as she is led to the altar. Artemis, in the upper right corner, descends from heaven to intervene. Gandolfi, an Italian painter, is known for his Neoclassical style, characterized by clear lines, balanced compositions, and a focus on classical themes. The painting is a dramatic illustration of a pivotal moment in Greek mythology, capturing the tension and sacrifice of the event.