Plate 9: The Phrygian Sibyl holding the top of a tablet with her left hand and pointing with her right, from "Sibyls"
Original title: Plate 9: The Phrygian Sibyl holding the top of a tablet with her left hand and pointing with her right, from "Sibyls"
kurzbeschreibung
The Phrygian Sibyl, an ancient prophetess, lifts a tablet in her left hand and points to it with her right. Raffaello Schiaminossi captured this scene in 1609 as an etching. The print belongs to his series of Sibyls and is executed in black and white.
Description
A long robe envelops the Sibyl, and a head covering partially veils her face. Her left hand holds up a tablet or book, while her right hand points to it. She gazes gravely and thoughtfully. Stylized clouds, a mountain, and a rocky landscape form the backdrop. At the bottom edge, a Latin poem referring to the Sibyl is inscribed.
Context
Raffaello Schiaminossi, an Italian engraver and etcher, was active around 1570 to 1622 in San Sepolcro and Rome. His series 'Sibyls' was created around 1609 and includes the twelve Sibyls of ancient tradition. During the Baroque period, this series, which takes up ancient prophecies, enjoyed great popularity.
Impact
Fine lines and hatching give the print a calm, contemplative aura. The Sibyl appears dignified and mysterious, emphasized by her serious expression and symbolic gesture.
Technique
In etching, lines are bitten into a copper plate. The fine hatching and contours are typical of this process and allow precise rendering of textures and shading. The print is monochrome in black and white.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)