Helleoportic Sibyl, from the series of Sibyls 1525 - 1535

Curator: This somber print is Lucas van Leyden's "Helleoportic Sibyl," part of a series of Sibyls, dating to around 1525-1535. It's a woodcut, which is quite characteristic of the Northern Renaissance style. Editor: The immediate impact is the weight of it, the palpable grief etched into the Sibyl's face, and the burden of the cross. The starkness of the woodcut intensifies that feeling. It speaks to suffering that transcends time. Curator: Absolutely. Sibyls, in the pre-Christian tradition, were believed to possess prophetic abilities. This representation shows the Helleoportic Sibyl, named for the Hellespont, a bridge between Europe and Asia. It’s worth noting her ability to foresee Christ’s Passion, linking pagan antiquity with Christian narratives. She almost appears medieval, in the ways she's portrayed—swathed in cloth, holding the cross almost passively, more victim than prophet. Editor: And it begs the question: what prophecies are we inheriting and failing to act upon? The woodcut, a relatively accessible medium, suggests this was intended for broader circulation. This feels charged with commentary—the role of faith in times of social upheaval, maybe even a critique of institutions. How did people receive an image of female prophetic power coupled with an image of Christ’s persecution? Curator: It's thought-provoking to consider. Van Leyden cleverly melds both spiritual worlds: one pagan, and one Christian. The image emphasizes the sibyls as voices carrying profound weight, laden with warnings—though now it seems many of these women are presented through the male gaze. In Christian typology, she also echoes the figure of the Virgin Mary—both bear witness and grief, with great faith. Editor: This piece holds immense value in thinking about intersecting historical narratives. Here, you're highlighting faith, whereas I view the undercurrents of power and potential resistance. Curator: It really encourages viewers to see this pivotal moment through various lenses of prophecy, power, and ultimately faith, I agree. Editor: A fittingly complicated reflection given our current moment in time, thanks for unpacking this together!