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Description

Italian school; 17th century. "Sibyl". Oil on canvas. Relined. Measurements: 61 x 47 cm; 79 x 65 cm (frame). Within the Italian school it was common, from the Renaissance, the representation of Sibyls in compositions similar to those of the contemporary portrait, as ladies richly dressed in the fashion of the time. In fact, there are known examples of works in which important aristocrats are depicted as sibyls, both in Italy and in other countries. In this Baroque-era painting, particular attention should be paid to the depiction of the sumptuous attire with gold and pearl brooches. The almond-shaped eyes convey melancholy. The flush of the cheeks harmonises with the carmine of the beautifully shaped lips. In ancient Greek mythology, the Sibyl was a prophetess, sometimes inspired by Apollo, whose powers were of divine origin. However, the number of these women soon increased from three to twelve, in all cases without knowing their names, but knowing them only by the name of the place where they lived. It was the Renaissance that revived this figure, considering them to be heralds of Christ in the pagan tradition in order to give value to it and "Christianise" it. Of all the works in which they appear, the best known is probably Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Vault, which shows the five most representative of the time (Eritrea, Persica, Libyan, Cumaean and Delphic).

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Italian school; 17th century. "Sibyl". Oil on canvas. Relined. Measurements: 61 x 47 cm; 79 x 65 cm (frame). Within the Italian school it was common, from the Renaissance, the representation of Sibyls in compositions similar to those of the contemporary portrait, as ladies richly dressed in the fashion of the time. In fact, there are known examples of works in which important aristocrats are depicted as sibyls, both in Italy and in other countries. In this Baroque-era painting, particular attention should be paid to the depiction of the sumptuous attire with gold and pearl brooches. The almond-shaped eyes convey melancholy. The flush of the cheeks harmonises with the carmine of the beautifully shaped lips. In ancient Greek mythology, the Sibyl was a prophetess, sometimes inspired by Apollo, whose powers were of divine origin. However, the number of these women soon increased from three to twelve, in all cases without knowing their names, but knowing them only by the name of the place where they lived. It was the Renaissance that revived this figure, considering them to be heralds of Christ in the pagan tradition in order to give value to it and "Christianise" it. Of all the works in which they appear, the best known is probably Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Vault, which shows the five most representative of the time (Eritrea, Persica, Libyan, Cumaean and Delphic).

Estimate 1 400 - 1 800 EUR
Starting price 1 000 EUR

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