Sir John Everett Millais: Cymon and Iphigenia 1847-48
This painting is probably the last funny work of the eighteen years old Millais before he formed the melancholic Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The scene was based on John Dryden’s poem, which was based on Boccaccio’s Decameron, which was based on earlier stories.
I find the painting very amusing, especially Cymon and Iphigenia’s expressions. Cymon, the handsome but rustic son of a king and the beautiful Iphigenia who inspires him to be a real man, are depicted hilariously. Cymon looks lightheaded but conscious of getting the girl of his dreams. He is lovingly ditzy with a silly blond hairdo and a fur cloth like the caveman that he is.
Cymon is leading his Iphigenia, who is less enthusiastic but amused like us, viewers. Although Cymon fought for her, killed her betrothed, and saved her before he got her, the poet never mentioned whether Iphigenia loved him or not. So Millais did not know her feelings for him and wisely chose this thoughtful expression like she has not decided yet what to think, love or ridicule him. But she is nevertheless beautiful and delicately pale and forgot to dress up in the hurry of the celebration.
Whatever this nuptial will be joyous or failed Iphigenia will be not bored next to this good-looking clown, Cymon.
