Who painted The Sacrifice of Polyxena?

The Sacrifice of Polyxena was painted by Gerard de Lairesse in 1667.

Where can I see The Sacrifice of Polyxena?

The Sacrifice of Polyxena is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Sacrifice of Polyxena?

The Sacrifice of Polyxena is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Sacrifice of Polyxena

Gerard de Lairesse , 1667

The Sacrifice of Polyxena is a print by the Baroque artist Gerard de Lairesse. It dates from 1667 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Gerard de Lairesse’s print, titled *The Sacrifice of Polyxena*, depicts the moment before the Trojan princess is offered on Achilles’ tomb. The composition centers on a blindfolded Polyxena, bound on a stone altar, while a mounted Achilles dominates the background. Soldiers and mourning women populate the scene, framed by classical architectural elements that organize the space.

Subject & Meaning

The image draws on the post‑Trojan War myth in which Achilles, risen from his grave, demands the death of Priam’s daughter Polyxena as a tribute to his spirit. The work captures the tension between ritual sacrifice and the tragic fate of the captive, reflecting ancient Greek themes of honor, vengeance, and the cost of war.

Technique & Style

De Lairesse employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, using stark contrasts of light and shadow to give the figures a sculptural solidity. The figures are rendered with precise modeling, and the architectural backdrop provides clear spatial definition. The overall aesthetic shows the influence of contemporary French classicism, evident in the balanced composition and restrained palette.

History & Provenance

Created in the early 18th century, the print was part of de Lairesse’s broader engagement with classical subjects and his admiration for French artistic trends. It circulated among collectors of the period, contributing to the artist’s reputation as a learned draughtsman. The work remains in several European print collections, documented in museum inventories since the late 1700s.