Libyan Sibyl, from the series of Sibyls 1525 - 1535

Lucas van Leyden's "Libyan Sibyl" is one of a series of prints depicting Sibyls, women believed to have prophetic powers in ancient Roman culture. The Sibyl is shown in profile, her face looking contemplative and her body draped in loose, flowing robes, holding a torch. Created between 1525 and 1535, this etching uses a skilled hatching technique that conveys a sense of volume and texture. The Sibyl’s torch suggests her prophetic nature, while the detailed rendering of her clothing and surroundings highlights the artist's masterful command of line and detail. This print is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.