The Sacrifice of Polyxena (Charles Le Brun)

The Sacrifice of Polyxena is a painting completed by French artist Charles Le Brun in 1647. It depicts the mythological sacrifice of Polyxena, the youngest daughter of King Priam of Troy and Queen Hecuba, following the Trojan War. The scene is taken from various accounts of the aftermath of the war, most notably the accounts found in Euripides' plays Hecuba and The Trojan Women, as well as in works by Roman authors such as Ovid.

The painting portrays the moment when Polyxena is being sacrificed at the tomb of Achilles by Neoptolemus (Pyrrhus), Achilles' son. The sacrifice was demanded, according to some versions of the myth, by the ghost of Achilles, who required Polyxena's life as a blood offering to appease him. The sacrifice is intended to ensure favorable winds for the departing Greek fleet.

Le Brun's interpretation typically shows Polyxena accepting her fate with dignity and grace. The composition often features a group of Greek soldiers and Trojan women, some lamenting and others looking on with stoicism. Neoptolemus is typically shown poised to strike the fatal blow, with Polyxena kneeling or standing resolutely. The setting is usually rendered as a classical landscape with architectural elements indicative of a Greek tomb or altar.

The painting is notable for its dramatic composition, use of color, and emotional intensity. It exemplifies the principles of classical art and the Baroque style prevalent in 17th-century France, emphasizing grandeur, emotion, and a focus on classical themes. Le Brun's The Sacrifice of Polyxena is considered a significant work in his oeuvre and a powerful representation of this tragic episode from Greek mythology. It highlights themes of sacrifice, duty, and the consequences of war.