The Prophets and Sibyls

About this work

This print shows a group of figures arranged in an arched scene. At the center sits a robed man with a long beard, pointing upward as if speaking. Around him, other figures—some standing, some sitting—are carved into the architecture like statues. The background has steps, columns, and empty niches where more figures might stand. Notice how the figures look three-dimensional, even though this is a flat print. The artist used shading to make muscles and drapery pop off the page. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this technique works.