The Tiburtine Sibyl 

Edward Burne-Jones made this drawing of the Tiburtine Sibyl in the late 19th century. In it, we see a figure from classical mythology rendered with a decidedly modern sensibility, one that blends Pre-Raphaelite romanticism with a self-conscious historicism. Burne-Jones's England was deeply engaged with its classical past. In the Victorian period, figures like the Sibyl became powerful symbols, used to explore ideas about faith, fate, and the role of women. The drawing style, with its emphasis on line and delicate shading, reflects the artist's awareness of Renaissance art. But the wistful expression and flowing drapery also speak to a Victorian sensibility, influenced by the aesthetic movement's interest in beauty. Historians sift through literary sources, visual culture, and social histories to unpack the artistic creation. By looking at the contexts in which art is made, we can better understand its role in society.