Keizer Augustus en de Tiburtijnse Sibille 1550 - 1570

This engraving depicts Roman Emperor Augustus and the Tiburtine Sibyl. It was made by an anonymous artist, and reproduces an earlier work. In the Western tradition, the Sibyls were prophetesses who represented a connection to the divine. In this case, the Tiburtine Sibyl prophesizes to Augustus the coming of Christ. A major theme is the intertwining of pagan and Christian worlds: Augustus is startled by a vision of the Virgin Mary with the Christ child. The print is not just a retelling of a classical story; it negotiates power dynamics. Augustus appears awestruck, literally stopped in his tracks by the Sibyl. Although presented as a moment of divine revelation, the encounter can be seen as a challenge to his authority. It suggests that true power comes from spiritual insight, not earthly rule. The emotional intensity of the scene is palpable. We observe a moment of profound change, a shift in power from earthly to spiritual authority. It's a rendering of historical and cultural transition, inviting us to think about the complex relationship between power, belief, and identity.