Huge Portrait of a Sibyl, Dated 1861, Signed

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 work. Domenichino’s masterpiece was, in turn, heavily influenced by Raphael’s “St Ceclia with Saints” – in fact an almost identical figure.

This extremely finely painted example is signed “Louidowsky” and dated 1851. It demonstrates a superb treatment of glowing light and the detail and realism in the face is outstanding (the gleam in the eyes, and even the moisture on the lips). Also evident is the dazzling treatment of drapery showing the folds and how they reflect the light and the subtle nuances of texture in the fabric – carried out with remarkable finesse. Having undergone a professional light clean the condition is excellent and ready to hang.

Held in its original (very heavy) frame which is remarkable in terms of quality, size, and condition.

Measurements: Height 160cm, Width 140cm framed (Height 63”, Width 55” framed)

The Cumaean Sibyl was the priestess presiding over the Apollonian oracle at Cumae, a Greek colony located near Naples, Italy. The word sibyl comes from the ancient Greek word sibylla, meaning prophetess. There were many sibyls in different locations throughout the ancient world but the Cumaean Sibyl became the most famous among the Romans and was most painting in Italian work, notably in the Sistine Ceiling by Michelangelo. Since the Middle Ages, the Cumaean Sibyl was considered a prophet of the birth of Christ and it was her prophesy that Christ would be born of a virgin in a stable in Bethlehem.

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