The Sacrifice of Polyxena – Charles Le Brun (1647) – Classical Canvas Print

Charles Le Brun’s The Sacrifice of Polyxena (1647) is a compelling exploration of myth and emotion rendered in oil on canvas. Set within a tense moment from the Trojan War, the composition draws on the Roman poet Ovid’s account of the Trojan princess Polyxena being led to her death at the altar to appease the ghost of Achilles. The figures are articulated with classical restraint and dramatic clarity, the pale central figure of Polyxena framed by gestures of lament and ritual action that give the scene both solemnity and narrative momentum.

Painted shortly after Le Brun’s return from Rome, this work carries the influence of French classical tradition while asserting its own emotional depth. Le Brun, who would soon rise to prominence as First Painter to King Louis XIV, balances movement and stillness to evoke a moment suspended between fate and sacrifice. The depth of expression in the faces and the careful arrangement of forms underscore the enduring power of this mythological subject.

 

🖨️ Print features:

– Sustainable canvas stretched on radial pine frame

– Unique canvas coating for top-notch image quality

– Soft rubber dots on bottom back corners for support

– Safe latex inks for non-toxic printing

– Back hanging included

– Inner frame made with radiata pine sourced from renewable forests

– Please note: Due to the production process of the canvases, please allow for slight size deviations with a tolerance +/- 1/8″ (3.2mm)

– Care instructions: If the canvas does gather any dust, you may wipe it off gently with a clean, damp cloth.

 

🚚 Fulfillment, Shipping, and Return Policy:

– Printed and shipped from the U.S.

– As our items are unique and made to order, we can only accept a return or exchange in the event that an item arrives damaged or misprinted. We cannot accept returns if you order the wrong size or change your mind. Any return requests must be made within 14 days of receiving the order.

 

💬 Questions? Looking for something else, or want something in a different size? Feel free to reach out anytime; we’ll see what we can do!