Art Funded by you

The Sacrifice of Polyxena

Giovanni Battista Pittoni, 1687–1767

York Art Gallery, York

In this scene taken from classical mythology, Neoptolemus advances from the left-hand side of the painting to direct the sacrifice of Polyxena, while Polyxena is steered towards the opened tomb of Achilles. This painting was part of a collection of 117 works belonging to the industrialist and engineer F.D. Lycett Green and bequeathed to York through the Art Fund, in 1955, in recognition of the remarkable efforts made after the Second World War by its curator to transform it into a gallery of international importance.

More information

Title of artwork, date

The Sacrifice of Polyxena, 1687–1767

Date supported

1955

Medium and material

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

31.7 x 45.3 cm

Gifted by

F D Lycett Green

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

Get a National Art Pass and explore York Art Gallery

You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK

National Art Pass offers available at York Art Gallery

Free entry and 50% off exhibitions
IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product
Get a national art pass

Art Funded by you FAQs

Why is this object record marked 'archive'?
Where can I see this work of art? Is it on display?
What is Art Fund's purpose?
How is Art Fund funded?
What type of funding do you offer?
What does the acquisition grants programme support and who can apply?
How many works of art has Art Fund helped museums to acquire?
I’m a curator/researcher/arts professional and would like to find out more about this work, how do I get in touch?
I’m a journalist and would like to contact Art Fund about this work, how do I get in touch?
I would like to donate a work of art to a museum. What do I need to do?
I'd like to leave a gift to Art Fund in my will. How can I do this?

Contact us

If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.

Get in touch