The Colophonian Sibyl

Art Historical Context

This 16th-century engraving, titled *The Colophonian Sibyl*, was created by the artist known as Master with the Name of Jesus. Produced during the Renaissance, when interest in classical antiquity flourished alongside Christian themes, the print portrays one of the ancient prophetesses revered for their foresight. The Colophonian Sibyl, associated with the city of Colophon in Asia Minor, appears here as a female nude accompanied by a cross, reflecting the era’s blending of pagan and Christian iconography. Engraving, the chosen medium, allowed artists to create fine, repeatable lines that coul...