An Ancient Sacrifice

c. 1800

Clément-Pierre Marillier

Associated Names
Clément-Pierre Marillier

Artist, French, 1740 - 1808

This is a drawing of a ceremonial scene in a grand architectural setting. The drawing depicts an interior with large, ornate columns reminiscent of classical Roman or Greek architecture. The ceiling has intricate designs and a circular arrangement of decorative panels. In the foreground and mid-ground, there is a gathering around an altar or pedestal, upon which a flame burns. Several figures, robed in flowing garments, are gathered around this central point, possibly in the midst of a ritual involving offerings. The figures are holding various objects, including what looks to be a dish. The space feels grand and solemn, with an emphasis on tradition and ritual. The shading and linework suggest careful attention to detail and capture the grandeur of both the figures and the architecture surrounding them.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Private collection (sale, New York, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 3 June 1980, no. 17, as Jean-Jacques François Le Barbier); to Ivan E. Phillips, Bedford, NY; gift to NGA, 1992.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

by later hand, lower left verso in graphite: 5712; by later hand, center center verso in graphite: ON-UN

Wikidata ID

Q64540197

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