Painting Of A Sibyl, 17th Century Italian School

17th Century Italian School

Title: A Sibyl

Date: Late 17th Century, circa 1650-1700

Medium: Oil on canvas on panel

Measurements: Overall measures 48cm x 41cm x 3cm and painting itself measures 45cm x 37 cm

The present work is thought to be a painting of a Sibyl - an oracle or prophetess in ancient Greece who was known to prophesy at holy sites under the influence of a deity. The turban-like headdress that the woman is wearing is a common feature of depictions of Sibyls of the period which leads to the identification of the woman in this painting as a Sibyl.

The figures in the background appear to be curious onlookers, perhaps trying to position themselves within hearing distance of anything the Sibyl says. Considering the reputation of the Sibyls, it would make sense that people would be keen to be within earshot of the Sibyl lest she utter a prediction that would be relevant to them.

Depictions of these mythological figures had been relatively frequent in European art since the Renaissance, and they are part of one of the most famous pictorial cycles in Europe: the Sistine Chapel. They were also a common subject for 17th-century Italian classicist painters, and there are magnificent examples by Guido Reni, Guercino and Domenichino.

The present work is beautifully executed in a style typical of the period. Although the artist has not as yet been identified, it does appear to be by a well-trained and talented hand.

Condition report: Oil on canvas laid onto board. Overall good, clean condition. Recently cleaned and relacquered. Signs of old, well-blended retouchings. Paint surface is stable. Fine craquelure throughout commensurate with its age.


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