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An Analysis Of Kineson's Sacrifice Of Iphigenia

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Greek mythology has strongly impacted the morals of people throughout generations. These stories were created to show us rights from wrongs and to explain the things happening in the world. For example, in the myth of Iphigenia she is sacrificed by her father, Agamemnon, has killed a deer belonging to Artemis. After Agamemnon killed the deer, Artemis kept the fleet of ships from sailing off the troy. In order for him to get his ships back Agamemnon he had to sacrifice his daughter to Artemis. Agamemnon tricked Iphigenia by telling her that she was to marry Achilles, but on the wedding day, in front of everyone, he kills her. Artist Giovanni Tiepolo and poet Alfred Tennyson examined the story furthermore to explain the full meaning of the myth. …show more content…

When you look at the painting you and see Iphigenia in her father’s arms with a knife to her throat. In that scene you can see how they are basically presented as if her death is some kind of performance. Agamemnon has chosen to sacrifice her in front of everyone showing that he believes that sailing to Troy is more important than the life of his own daughter. Also in the painting you can see the large groups of people standing and watching Iphigenia suffer, not one of them is trying to stand up for her in a time where she needs it most. They all are leaning in as if to get a better look at her dying in Agamemnon's arms. Which is not arranged, as if to say her death is less important than the battle that is to follow after she is gone. To further exaggerate the fact that nobody is trying to help iphigenia there is a man knelt in front of the king serving him the knife he is about to kill her with. So instead of everyone just watching her being killed some are even assisting in the execution of iphigenia herself. In the background of the painting there appears to be what look like flags to a ship, with the boats already pulled up the the palace and ready to sail away it is clear that there is no intent on dragging out out her death even longer than it has to be. It can be inferred that as soon as iphigenia is dead and Artemis allows the king and his men to sail to Troy they will hurry off and start the journey right away. Not even a single bit of remoore will shown for her death, for they are all focused on going to battle and will do anything to make sure their plans are not interrupted. This all ties back into the thesis that has stated that is a person has something to gain than even the most innocent creature will not be spared from the unjust doings of

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