The Cumaean Sybil
Medium
Engraving in black on cream laid paper
Dimensions
Image: 16.8 × 12.8 cm (6 5/8 × 5 1/16 in.); Sheet: 16.9 × 12.9 cm (6 11/16 × 5 1/8 in.)
Classification
engraving
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
34634
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
During the early 16th century, Greco-Roman mythological subjects such as this one were understood as prefiguring themes from the New Testament. In this print, the sibyl’s visionary role is likened to those of Christian prophets and saints, who were often depicted in classically pastoral settings.