The Sacrifice of Iphigenia c. 15th century

"The Sacrifice of Iphigenia" is a bronze plaquette created in the 15th or 16th century by Master I.O.F.F., during the Italian Renaissance, a period marked by the revival of classical art and thought. This round relief presents a dramatic scene drawn from Greek mythology, where Iphigenia is sacrificed to appease the gods. The image raises questions about power, gender, and sacrifice. Iphigenia, a young woman, stands as a symbol of female vulnerability against the backdrop of patriarchal demands. The emotional intensity of the scene is palpable, inviting us to consider the personal anguish inherent in such a sacrifice. The work invites reflection on the negotiation—or lack thereof—between individual desires and communal expectations, resonating with contemporary dialogues around bodily autonomy and social justice.