Sibille van Erythrae 1609

This etching of Sibyl of Erythrae, a figure in Roman mythology, is a work by Raffaello Schiaminossi from 1609. The Sibyl is depicted in a flowing robe, holding a scroll and standing in a landscape. The image, held in the Rijksmuseum, is a characteristic example of the Renaissance artistic tradition of depicting the Sibyls, who were said to be prophetic figures. The image is known for its detail and realism, as well as its strong sense of composition, and the contrasting light and dark tones create an intense and dramatic atmosphere.