Prophets and Sibyls c. 18th century

Editor: This is Francesco Cecchini’s "Prophets and Sibyls," from the 18th century, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The figures seem suspended between worlds. What strikes you when you look at this piece? Curator: It feels like a bridge, doesn't it? Cecchini's got these Old Testament prophets and classical sibyls—mystical figures—all pointing, perhaps, towards a divine revelation above. What a delicate dance between pre-Christian wisdom and Christian prophecy. They seem to be holding secrets... Editor: Secrets and scrolls, it seems! I hadn't thought of it as a bridge, but I see that now. Thanks! Curator: Absolutely! It's like the artist is whispering: History, faith, art – it's all interconnected, if you just lean in and listen.