The Cumaean Sibyl after the fresco by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel 1784 - 1790

This print, made by Giovanni Volpato after Michelangelo’s fresco in the Sistine Chapel, presents us with the Cumaean Sibyl, a figure from classical mythology known for her prophecies. Volpato renders the Sibyl in a monochromatic palette, emphasizing form and volume through meticulous engraving. Notice how the composition directs our gaze. The Sibyl, monumental in scale, is seated, engrossed in a book, her muscular arms and furrowed brow conveying a sense of profound contemplation. The presence of the two putti, or cherubic figures, adds a layer of complexity. They seem to peer over her shoulder, perhaps symbolizing the weight of knowledge or the passage of time. The lines are clean and precise, reflecting a neo-classical interest in clarity and order. Yet, there’s a tension in the Sibyl’s pose, her body twisted slightly, which suggests inner turmoil or perhaps the burden of foresight. The contrast between the smooth skin of the putti and the wrinkled texture of the Sibyl’s face further accentuates this dynamic. Volpato’s print invites us to consider how the artist uses form to convey meaning. It’s not just a reproduction of Michelangelo’s fresco, but a reinterpretation that resonates with its own historical and artistic concerns.