Who painted The Sacrifice of Polyxena in Malibu?

The Sacrifice of Polyxena in Malibu was painted by Giambattista Pittoni in 1732.

Where can I see The Sacrifice of Polyxena in Malibu?

The Sacrifice of Polyxena in Malibu is held by J. Paul Getty Museum.

What movement is The Sacrifice of Polyxena in Malibu?

The Sacrifice of Polyxena in Malibu is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of The Sacrifice of Polyxena in Malibu?

Museum-quality prints of The Sacrifice of Polyxena in Malibu are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Sacrifice of Polyxena in Malibu

Giambattista Pittoni , 1732

The Sacrifice of Polyxena in Malibu is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Giambattista Pittoni. It dates from 1732 and is held in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum.

About this work

Overview

Giambattista Pittoni’s oil painting *The Sacrifice of Polyxena in Malibu* was executed in 1732. The work belongs to the late Baroque‑Rococo period and is part of the J. Paul Getty Museum’s collection. It portrays a dramatic moment from classical mythology, rendered with a strong contrast of light and shadow that heightens the tension of the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a woman in a white robe being seized by a man in a red cloak, suggesting the mythic sacrifice of Polyxena. Her outstretched arm conveys resistance, while the man’s stern expression underscores the inevitability of the ritual. A gathering of onlookers in the background watches with a mixture of curiosity and concern, emphasizing the communal weight of the act.

Technique & Style

Pittoni employs chiaroscuro to accentuate the drama, allowing illuminated figures to emerge from a darker surrounding space. The painter’s handling of oil paint produces a smooth, luminous surface typical of Venetian training, while the fluid drapery and delicate facial modeling reflect Rococo sensibilities within a Baroque framework.

History & Provenance

A native of Venice, Pittoni was instrumental in founding the Academy of Fine Arts of Venice and later presided over it in 1758. *The Sacrifice of Polyxena in Malibu* entered the J. Paul Getty Museum’s holdings in the 20th century, where it remains on view as a representative example of his mythological oeuvre.