Iphigenia's Sacrifice: A Detailed Mosaic Analysis

Sacrifice of Iphigenia

Author: Unknown. Chronology: Yes. Material: Tesserae of stone and marble. Technique: Mosaic. Support: Wall or floor. Dimensions: 55 cm x 60 cm. Top damaged. Original Location: Empuries (1848).

Mosaic Definition

A mosaic is a decorative element formed by the combination of tesserae (small square pieces of stone, glass, or ceramic) of colors that create different shapes and patterns.

Formal Description

This mosaic combines three techniques: opus tessellatum, opus vermiculatum, and opus sectile. It uses different shapes and sizes of tesserae made of marble and stone in various colors.

In the foreground, we see the altar of slaughter, surrounded by fields, and a torch. In the background, from left to right, are the main characters: Agamemnon (king of Mycenae), who covers his face with a gesture of grief, alongside his daughter Iphigenia, whose face is covered with a veil. At her side is Ulysses (King of Ithaca), then Calchas (diviner), dressed in white, with a ribbon on his head and a knife in his right hand. The last character is Menelaus (king of Sparta), who also has his heart in his left hand.

Below Menelaus, we see a servant, disproportionate to the other characters, helping with the sacrifice. He holds a tray, a towel, and a sacred vessel in his right hand. Behind these main characters, in a third plane, are four unarmed youths contemplating the scene from a distance. On one side, we find Achilles, representing valor. Next to Ulysses appears a woman.

In a higher strip on the left, we find a column with representations of Apollo (music) and a lyre beside the goddess Artemis (hunting), who also holds a bow. Apollo and Artemis were siblings and presided over the sacrifice. On the right side, Artemis appears again, accompanied by a deer. At the bottom of the column, we can see a shield. Behind, natural elements appear, like trees.

There is a color contrast between the central scene in white and the dark tones of the background (trees and deferential characters). Therefore, there are sudden changes in color.

The light is very uniform, so there is no strong color contrast or shadows. An attempt is made to create uniform depth using different tonalitats. The faces that appear express grief and sadness. This mosaic can be divided into two halves: one with heads facing down, and another with heads facing up.