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1 of 253523 objects
Attributed to Giovanni Ghisolfi (1623-83)
The Sacrifice of Helen c. 1660
Pencil, pen and ink with wash | 12.5 x 29.9 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 903732
Attributed to Giovanni Ghisolfi (1623-83)
The Sacrifice of Helen c. 1660
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A drawing of a scene with figures at an altar, before which Helen kneels as the High Priest is about to slay her. An eagle snatches at the sword in the priest's hand. One of the cows in the background, right, will be sacrificed in her stead. An inscription near the lower edge has been cut off for the most part; it seems to have read: Sacrificio d'ellena.
The subject is taken from Plutarch. The drawing forms a pair with Cittadini's representation of the infant Emperor Aurelian lifted from his cradle by an eagle, RCIN 903733.Provenance
Probably acquired by George III from the collection of Consul Joseph Smith, c.1762; first recorded in a Royal Collection inventory of c.1800-20 (Inv.A. p.20: one of '5 of Millanese')
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Pencil, pen and ink with wash
Measurements
12.5 x 29.9 cm (sheet of paper)
Object type(s)
