Giovan Battista Piazzetta (Venezia, 1683 - 1754) - Oil on canvas; cm 143 x 210
The painting was carried out during the last years of the painter's artistic activity. In fact there is a preparatory sketch signed and dated 1750 which belonged to the collection of one of Piazzaetta's friends.
The picture was entrusted to the Malatestian Library in 1888 and it was attributed to Tiepolo, whereas, after its restoration in 1964, it was attributed to Piazzetta. Ifigenia's Sacrifice is very dramatic, but it is represented with agility and for this reason it had great success in the 18th century.
Ifigenia, walking beside her father Agamennon, approaches the sacrificial area, where the priest awaits ready to stab her with the dagger he has been given, whilst Diana intervenes, imposing her veto.