Cumaean Sibyl c. 18th century

Curator: This is Giovanni Folo’s “Cumaean Sibyl,” from the late 18th or early 19th century. Editor: She’s lovely. There’s a wistful melancholy in her eyes. And note the laurel crown rendered as a stylish turban – a fascinating intersection of classical symbolism and contemporary fashion. Curator: Indeed. It’s an engraving, so part of its appeal lies in the dissemination of classical themes to a broader audience. This image of the Sibyl is both an artistic statement and a commodity. Editor: The Sibyl as a prophetess was often shown with scrolls containing her prophecies. Here the scroll seems to unfurl musical notes. Do you think that has something to do with the instrument appearing in the background? Curator: Perhaps, or perhaps it reflects the salon culture of the time, where music and art were intertwined. It certainly softens the often stern or fearsome depictions of the Sibyl. Editor: It's amazing how Folo captured the essence of the Sibyl through carefully chosen symbols. Curator: Yes, and by understanding how Folo’s work functions within its period, we gain a richer appreciation of its cultural resonance.