A Sibyl 1661

Johann Murrer’s 1661 painting, “A Sibyl,” depicts a young woman in a hooded cloak, holding a book. The subject’s contemplative expression and the book she holds suggest a figure of wisdom and prophecy. This Baroque-style painting is characterized by its realistic portrayal and the use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts of light and shadow to create depth and drama. The work is currently housed at the Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen.