The Samian Sibyl, c. 1480-90
Francesco Rosselliexpand_more
Engravingexpand_more
Bequest of Herschel V. Jonesexpand_more P.68.94
Not on Viewexpand_more
During the Renaissance humanist scholars in Florence were preoccupied with the rediscovery of ancient writings, and artists of the period often drew their subjects from these texts. This print is based on Varro's first-century BCE account of the sibyls. The ancient world had ten sibyls, or prophets, who presided over the Apollonian oracle at the Greek colony of Samos. Because the Catholic Church needed to reconcile the pagan past with Christian beliefs, the Sibyls came to be interpreted as Old Testament prophets who foretold the coming of Christ.
Details
- Title
- The Samian Sibyl
- Artist Life
- Italian (Florence), 1445-before 1513
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.68.94
- Provenance
- Ambroise Firmin-Didot, L.119; Louis Galichon, L. 1060; Colnaghi; Knoedler & Co., 1926
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Hind C.II.6B i/iii; H.I.179.68
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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