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The Sacrifice of Iphigenia

Jean-Michel the Younger Moreau

1769

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century Allegory

Dominant colour

The Sacrifice of Iphigenia is a 1769 ink by Jean-Michel the Younger Moreau, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jean-Michel the Younger Moreau
When & what style?: 1769 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows a dramatic scene with a group of people gathered around a woman kneeling on a raised platform. Above them, a winged figure floats, holding a sheep, while a man on the right reaches out. Others below look on—some covering their faces, others pointing or holding objects. The sky is filled with swirling clouds, and the figures wear flowing robes. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to create movement and emotion, almost like a hurried sketch. The mix of human and divine figures suggests a story with deeper meaning. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shading with layered lines.