Attributed to Michel Corneille

Attributed to Michel Corneille
The Deer Substituted for Iphigenia as a Sacrifice at Aulis
Inscribed Corneille (lr)
Brown ink and wash on paper
12 1/2 x 19 1/4 inches (31.8 x 48.9 cm)
This unusual representation of the rescue of Iphigenia from sacrifice to Artemis at Aulis so that the Greek fleet could sail to Troy shows the eagle of Zeus bringing the deer to be offered in her stead. Most depictions of the story cast Artemis herself in this role. On the left, the Greek ships wait to set forth, while in the background we can see future events of the Trojan War, including Hector's assault on the Greek camp and one of the many duels described in the Iliad.

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