The Sacrifice of Iphigenia Mosaic
Empúries, Alt Empordà
Discovery: Mid-nineteenth century (1848)
Chronology: Believed to be from the 2nd century BC
Location: Originally found in Empúries, a prominent Mediterranean trading city, the mosaic is currently housed in the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona. Replicas can be seen in its original location in Empúries.
Period: Roman Empire. While the mosaic technique reached its peak during the Byzantine period, Catalonia boasts several Roman mosaics, with the Sacrifice of Iphigenia being a prime example.
Technique and Description
Opus Vermiculatum: This mosaic utilizes the intricate opus vermiculatum technique, employing small, precisely cut tiles (approximately 1mm per side) of stone, glass, or ceramic to create a detailed image, almost mimicking the fine brushstrokes of a painting. The tiles were meticulously inlaid onto a layer of gypsum or lime mortar.
Emblem Mosaic: The Sacrifice of Iphigenia is an emblem mosaic, a central, detailed piece embedded within a simpler, surrounding mosaic that formed part of the flooring of a Roman domus (house). These mosaics served a similar aesthetic purpose to modern carpets.
Dimensions: 0.55 x 0.60 meters
Content: The mosaic depicts a scene inspired by a lost painting by Timanthes, a renowned 4th-century BC Greek painter. It illustrates the moment from the Trojan War when Agamemnon, King of Mycenae, prepares to sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the goddess Artemis and allow the Greek fleet to sail to Troy.
Composition:
- Center: An altar adorned with weapons, a torch, a bull’s skull, and phallic imagery. To its right, a priest prepares for the sacrifice.
- Left: Agamemnon, identifiable by his distraught gesture, stands beside Iphigenia, veiled in white.
- Middle: Odysseus, King of Ithaca, holds a spear.
- Right: The seer Calchas, in white robes, and Menelaus, King of Sparta, with a scepter.
- Background: Four figures, possibly female, observe from a tent. A column topped with sculptures of Apollo and Artemis frames the left side. Behind it all, Artemis herself appears with a deer.
Style and Characteristics
Greek Influence: The mosaic’s subject matter and style are distinctly Greek, reflecting the Roman admiration for Hellenic culture.
Anonymous Artist: While produced in local workshops, these mosaics often drew inspiration from established centers like Antioch. Their smaller size facilitated transportation.
Limited Depth and Abrupt Color Transitions: The mosaic exhibits a flattened perspective and stark color changes.
Even Lighting: A single, implied light source creates uniform illumination.
Mythological Context
The story is rooted in Greek mythology, notably Euripides’ tragedy Iphigenia at Aulis. In the original myth, Agamemnon sacrifices Iphigenia. However, in Euripides’ version, Artemis intervenes at the last moment, replacing Iphigenia with a deer.
According to the legend, the Greek fleet, led by Agamemnon, was stranded due to a lack of wind. The seer Calchas revealed that Artemis was angered by the Greeks killing a sacred deer. To appease her, Agamemnon had to sacrifice his most beloved possession – his daughter Iphigenia. He lured Iphigenia to Aulis under the pretense of marrying her to Achilles. The mosaic captures the moment of impending sacrifice.
Function
Aesthetic Display: Located in a main room of the domus, the mosaic served as a decorative element, showcasing the owner’s wealth and taste.
Illustrative Narrative: It also functioned as a visual reminder of a poignant mythological episode, highlighting the tragic aspects of life and the sacrifices demanded by the gods.