Apollo and the Cumaean Sybil c. 1661

Editor: Here we have Salvator Rosa's "Apollo and the Cumaean Sybil." It's a striking print. The figures are rendered with such dynamic lines. What do you find most compelling about its composition? Curator: The effectiveness of Rosa's print resides within its stark contrasts. Observe the dichotomy between the detailed foreground and the sketchier background. How does this formal decision affect your reading? Editor: It brings the figures forward, making them the clear focal point. Curator: Precisely. Furthermore, consider the active lines that shape Apollo's form versus the relative stillness of the Sybil. Rosa masterfully employs line to delineate not just form but also implied movement and stasis. Editor: I see what you mean! The contrast emphasizes the story and its figures. Thank you for sharing your perspective.