A huge scale very fine three quarter length work depicting a Sibyl amongst a woodland with rolling hills in the background and a temple prominently placed to attract the viewer’s eye. The subject is seated wearing a turban and flowing robes and holding a book and pointer. There were many sibyls in different locations throughout the ancient world and artists did not always articulate which one they portrayed. The Cumaean Sibyl was the most famous amongst the Romans and a popular subject in art. Michelangelo rendered the priestess at the Sistine Chapel and there is a very famous work by Domenichino (1581-1641) in the Galleria Borghese in Rome, painted in 1616 for Cardinal Scipione Borghese. This work was later used as a model by many 18th century artists (at least 17 notable artists) and was also a favourite amongst 19th century collectors. The Sybil was at the front of a long line of female figures with large, pure eyes and a distant look – all so very typical of Domenichino’s wor...