Death of Iphigenia (?)

possibly c. 1758/1759

Benjamin West

Associated Names
Benjamin West

Artist, American, 1738 - 1820

This is a monochromatic painting of a sacrificial scene set in a wooded area. The artwork depicts figures arranged around a central point where an individual is kneeling before an altar with smoke rising from it. Several figures are standing or leaning around, displaying gestural expressions. The forest setting serves as a backdrop to the action, with detailed foliage creating depth and atmosphere. The style is reminiscent of Nicolas Poussin, known for his classical approach to composition and historical subject matter.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with gray and brown wash heightened with white on brown laid paper

  • Credit Line

    John Davis Hatch Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 46.7 x 70.6 cm (18 3/8 x 27 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1979.20.128

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

John Davis Hatch [1907-1996], by 1976; gift 1979 to the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Bibliography

1976

  • Hatch, John Davis. 100 American Drawings: Loan Exhibition from the Collection of John Davis Hatch. London: Heim Gallery, 1976, no. 4.

Wikidata ID

Q64536776

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