This type of urn, of Greek kalyx-krater form, takes its nomenclature from the association of the Antique prototype with the Medici family. The original is mentioned in the Villa Medici inventory of 1598.

The frieze depicts the mythological story of the sacrifice of Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon, King of Mycenae.

Agamemnon, who had consulted a seer, Calchas, for a propitious time in which to attack Troy, was told that he had incurred the wrath of Diana by killing a stag, the animal sacred to the goddess. In order to assuage Diana's anger he was instructed to sacrifice his daughter.