Images
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=E2FCF4A90C6EFE20D5E7B94172634D3270C0995AD4EA013A8E47EE1B429FFF5D&s=24247294&se=1304764131&v=3&f=%5Cd4386%5Cu258543862%5C2021.169_o2.jpg
Nov 1, 2021
The Sacrifice of Polyxena
The Sacrifice of Polyxena
1667
Gerard de Lairesse
(Flemish, 1641–1711)
Etching
Platemark: 30.5 x 38.7 cm (12 x 15 1/4 in.); Sheet: 33.1 x 41.4 cm (13 1/16 x 16 5/16 in.)
L. E. Holden Fund 2021.169
Catalogue raisonné: Hollstein 52
State: II/VI
Location
Download and Share
Did you know?
Gerard de Lairesse was called the “Dutch Poussin” for his role in bringing a French artistic style to the Netherlands in the late 17th century.
Description
After the fall of Troy, the Trojan women were divided among the Greeks. Achilles arose from his grave and demanded that Polyxena, the daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba, be slain on his tomb in order to join him in the afterlife. Behind a blindfolded Polyxena who awaits her fate on a sacrificial altar in this image, Achilles appears in warrior’s garb on a rearing horse. The Dutch De Lairesse’s figures are firmly modeled, and the space clearly defined with classical architecture, and reflect his interest in French art of the same period.
Contact us
The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.
To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.
All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.