Sibylla Samia c. 19th century

Editor: So, this is Giovanni Rivera's "Sibylla Samia." It's undated. She has this thoughtful gaze, like she's contemplating some big secret. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Sibyls, prophetesses of antiquity, were potent figures. Rivera's choice speaks to the 18th and 19th-century fascination with classical knowledge and female wisdom, particularly within artistic circles. The book she holds, what does it represent? Knowledge? Perhaps even power? Editor: Maybe both? It's interesting to think about how women were portrayed and perceived then. Thanks for sharing your perspective! Curator: My pleasure. Thinking about the politics of imagery always enriches our understanding.