The Oracle 1832 - 1875

Célestin Nanteuil created this print called "The Oracle" in France in the nineteenth century. The image portrays two women at what seems to be an altar with a basket of flowers on it. The art of Nanteuil and his contemporaries emerged from a society undergoing significant transformation; one in which older belief systems came into question. This print might relate to this theme, perhaps symbolizing the search for guidance in a changing world. We can see a man hiding behind the bushes, suggesting secrecy. The woman could be a sybil, but they also could be everyday women in conversation with each other in the forest. To fully understand the scene depicted, one can delve into studies of French Romanticism, as well as literature of the period that dealt with themes of prophecy. Considering this artwork within its social and institutional context allows us to better grasp the nuances of its meaning and cultural resonance.