Artwork

Cimon and Iphigenia

Cimon and Iphigenia, by John Everett Millais, oil, 1847
Cimon and Iphigenia, by John Everett Millais, oil, 1847

Cimon and Iphigenia is an oil painting by John Everett Millais. It dates from 1847 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

About this work

Overview

Cimon and Iphigenia is an 1847 oil painting by John Everett Millais, a leading figure of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The work draws on classical mythology, featuring a dynamic scene with multiple figures.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a mythological scene centered on the figures of Cimon and Iphigenia, set amidst a group of women in motion. The specific mythological narrative is not explicitly detailed in the visual description, but the interaction between the main figures and the surrounding group suggests a moment of significant encounter or departure.

Technique & Style

Millais employs vibrant color and deliberate composition to create a sense of energy and movement. The contrast between the red tunic and white dress of the central figures, against a backdrop of colored dresses, trees, and a sky with white clouds, contributes to the overall dynamism. The style is characteristic of the Pre-Raphaelite emphasis on detail and emotional intensity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1847, the painting reflects Millais's early adherence to Pre-Raphaelite principles, having joined the Royal Academy Schools at a young age and later becoming a prominent practitioner of the movement.

Context

The work is situated within the broader 19th-century interest in classical mythology and the distinctive aesthetic of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, which emphasized meticulous detail, rich color, and emotional depth.

Legacy

As a work by a key Pre-Raphaelite artist, *Cimon and Iphigenia* contributes to the movement's legacy in influencing later artistic trends with its blend of mythological themes and innovative visual approaches.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Everett Millais

Artist

John Everett Millais

Sir John Everett Millais, 1st Baronet ( MIL-ay; 8 June 1829 – 13 August 1896) was an English painter and illustrator who was one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Fitzwilliam Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.