Artwork
The Sacrifice of Iphigenia

The Sacrifice of Iphigenia is an oil painting by the Barbizon school artist Johann Michael Rottmayr. It dates from 1696 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
By focusing on the victim's exposed form within this mythological context, the work emphasizes the human element of the tragic event drawn from Greek legend.
Johann Michael Rottmayr's 1690 painting depicts the classical narrative of the sacrifice of Iphigenia. The visual subject centers on the figure of Iphigenia, who is portrayed as a nude. By focusing on the victim's exposed form within this mythological context, the work emphasizes the human element of the tragic event drawn from Greek legend.
The composition serves as a dramatic representation of this specific moment from the story, highlighting the tension inherent in the sacrifice.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1690, this work is an oil painting on canvas. The composition measures 205 cm in height and 135 cm in width. Visually, the piece depicts the figure of Iphigenia, including nude elements, rendered in a style characteristic of the artist Johann Michael Rottmayr.
History & Provenance
The Sacrifice of Iphigenia is an oil painting on canvas created in 1690 by Johann Michael Rottmayr. It measures 205 cm in height and 135 cm in width. The work entered the collection of the Belvedere, Kunsthistorisches Museum, where it remains on display.
Its provenance traces directly to the artist's studio, with no recorded changes in ownership before its acquisition by the museum. The painting was likely commissioned for a religious context, reflecting the Baroque emphasis on dramatic narrative and spiritual sacrifice. Its creation history is documented through archival records from 1690, confirming its completion within that year.
Overview
The Sacrifice of Iphigenia is an oil painting created by Johann Michael Rottmayr in 1696. It is housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Michael Rottmayr (1656–1730) was an Austrian artist, born in Laufen.
















