Sibylla Erythrea, Maarten van Heemskerck, 1564

Sibylla Erythrea, Maarten van Heemskerck, 1564

oil on panel, h 126cm × w 76.5cm Catalogue entry

The Erythraean Sybil was a prophetess of classical antiquity who foretold the coming of Christ. Heemskerck depicted her here, on this left wing of a large altarpiece, as a young woman attired in fantasy clothing. The paint layer has become discoloured and transparent in places, whereby the underdrawing shines through the gown.

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