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A Sibyl

A Sibyl

Artist/Maker (Italian, Bolognese, 1599–1676)
after (Italian, 1575–1642)
Datemid-17th century
MediumChiaroscuro woodcut
DimensionsImage: 11 1/4 × 7 1/2 in. (28.6 × 19.1 cm)
Sheet: 11 1/2 × 7 7/8 in. (29.2 × 20 cm)
Credit LineArt Rental Collection Transfer
Object number1980.76
Status
Not on view
More Information
A Sibyl was a woman who could see the future. In the 17th century, she was viewed by some Christians as having prophetic authority and was often depicted with books or scrolls used to make her predictions. Hunched over and looking down, in this print the Sibyl appears burdened by her premonitions. Yet next to her books are bowls that may imply that she is asking for charity. Appearing to us as a wanderer wearing loose, draped clothing, her situation could provoke pity.

However, it is difficult to know for certain whether someone claiming to have psychic abilities is legitimate or not. It is possible that this woman is a charlatan attempting to convince people of her special powers to obtain their assistance in return.

Is it better to risk trusting a phony Sibyl or risk disbelieving a real one?
Exhibition History
Seventeenth-Century Prints and Drawings from the Collection
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (September 13, 1988 - November 27, 1988 )
What's in a Spell? Love Magic, Healing, and Punishment in the Early Modern Hispanic World
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (August 19, 2023 - December 12, 2023 )
Collections
  • European
This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator. Noticed a mistake? Have some extra information about this object? Please contact us.