Large marble vase decorated with a relief of the sacrifice of Iphigenia
Original title: Large marble vase decorated with a relief of the sacrifice of Iphigenia, from "Vasi, candelabri, cippi, sarcofagi, tripodi, lucerne, ed ornamenti antichi disegnati ed incisi dal Cav. Gio. Batt. Piranesi, Vol. II" (Vases, candelabra, grave stones, sarcophagi, tripods, lamps, and ornaments designed and etched by Cavalieri Giovanni Battista Piranesi)
kurzbeschreibung
The sacrifice of Iphigenia unfolds across the surface of a large marble vase, captured by Giovanni Battista Piranesi in an etching from 1778–80. The print belongs to the second volume of his series Vasi, candelabri, cippi, sarcofagi, tripodi, lucerne, ed ornamenti antichi.
Description
A relief on the vase depicts the sacrifice of Iphigenia: a seated woman performs the offering, while other figures stand and move around her. The vase has a wide, flat mouth and a narrow, cylindrical foot; its body is adorned with delicate, round ornaments. The etching renders everything in monochrome grey tones, with even lighting that brings out the structure and details of the relief.
Context
With this etching, Piranesi documented and published ancient vases, candelabra, tombstones, sarcophagi, and other objects he studied in Rome. The volume appeared in 1778–80, during a phase in which he devoted himself intensively to the study and dissemination of ancient art. The Iphigenia theme is a common motif of Greek mythology and was often treated in ancient art.
Impact
The print conveys a precise, detailed impression of the ancient vase. The subtle lines and even lighting emphasize the sculptural effect of the relief. The monochrome grey palette creates a calm, factual mood that directs attention to the object's art-historical significance.
Technique
The print is executed as an etching, an intaglio process in which the drawing is incised into a metal plate etched with acid. Using fine lines and hatching, Piranesi reproduced the details of the relief and the vase's surface. The sheet is printed horizontally and has a plate size of approximately 52.5 x 38.5 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)