Sacrifice of Iphigenia c. 18th century

Tillwood created this ink and wash drawing, titled "Sacrifice of Iphigenia," to depict a pivotal moment from Greek mythology. The artwork invites us to consider the complex intersection of gender, power, and sacrifice within its historical context. The scene captures the agonizing decision of King Agamemnon to sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the goddess Artemis and ensure a safe voyage for the Greek army to Troy. We see Iphigenia being taken up to the heavens, as Agamemnon steels himself to perform the act, averting his gaze from the atrocity he is about to commit. The figure in the lower right corner hides his face in shame at what is unfolding. This narrative reveals the limited agency of women in ancient Greek society, where a woman’s life could be bargained away for political and military gain. "Sacrifice of Iphigenia" is a chilling exploration of the ways in which patriarchal structures can demand the ultimate sacrifice from those deemed most vulnerable.