A Sibyl was painted by Swabian 15th Century in 1470.

Where can I see A Sibyl?

A Sibyl is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A Sibyl?

A Sibyl is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

A Sibyl

Swabian 15th Century , 1470

A Sibyl is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Swabian 15th Century. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:by later hand, lower left in pen and brown ink: MW; by Josef Camesina de Pomal, lower center verso in pen and black ink: Jos Camesinaj / Pomal 1825.; by Cornelius Ploos van Amstel, lower center verso in pen and brown ink: Wolgemuth f. 1439 / geb. Nuremburg 1492 / 1434 - 1420 / 5.7 1/2 / 6 5d / L

About this work

Overview

A Sibyl is a pen and ink drawing on laid paper, depicting a woman's head and shoulders in profile, facing left, distinguished by a tall, pointed hat with the inscription 'SIBYLLA'.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a sibyl, an ancient prophetic figure, identified by the hat's inscription. The profile view and solemn attire convey a sense of antiquity and mystical authority.

Technique & Style

The drawing features tightly drawn lines, smooth facial shading, and textured clothing achieved through cross-hatching, a technique of thin, crisscrossed lines building up shadows to create depth without color.

History & Provenance

No specific historical or provenance details are provided about the drawing's creation, artist, or ownership history.

Context

The use of cross-hatching situates the work within a broader artistic tradition, where this technique was commonly employed to achieve detailed, high-contrast images in monochrome.

Legacy

The drawing's impact or influence on subsequent art is not specified, though its execution exemplifies the enduring appeal of cross-hatching in artistic practice.