Follower of Francesco Romanelli; Italy, 18th century.

Follower of FRANCESCO ROMANELLI (Viterbo, 1610-1662) ; Italy, 18th century.
"Sibyl of Cumae".
Oil on canvas.
It has a frame of the nineteenth century.
Measurements. 46 x 37 cm; 70 x 60 cm (frame).
Since the Renaissance, the representation of Sibyls in compositions similar to those of the contemporary portrait, as ladies richly attired in the fashion of the time. In fact, there are known examples of works in which important aristocrats are portrayed as sibyls, both in Italy and in other countries. In this painting from the Baroque period, it is worth noting the attention paid to the depiction of the sumptuous attire. The almond-shaped eyes convey melancholy. The flush of the cheeks harmonizes with the carmine of the beautifully outlined lips.
In ancient Greek mythology, the Sibyl was a prophetess, sometimes inspired by Apollo and whose powers had a 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 who recovered this figure, considering them heralds of Christ in the pagan tradition in order to give value to it and "Christianize" 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, Persian, Libyan, Cuman and Delphic).