Sculpture

Sibyl

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Type: Sculpture(Opens in new tab)
Date: 1768
Accession number: 2009.9.1
Maker: Antonio Schiassi(Opens in new tab) (Italian, 1722–1777)
Dimensions: 17 x 19 1/2 x 7 in. (43.2 x 49.5 x 17.8 cm.)
Medium: terracotta
Description: This sculpture portrays an elegantly dressed Sibyl with her books.
Credit: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Purchased with funds from the Art Collectors' Council and the Browning Memorial Art Fund in honor of Margery and Maurice Katz
Department: European Art
Find out more: View in the Art Museum catalog(Opens in new tab)

Label text

Sibyls were ancient priestesses who guarded writings that foretold the future. In this terracotta sculpture, the Sibyl is shown gracefully posed among her books. The sculpture was conceived as a pair with the biblical Prophet, installed opposite. The prominent display of books from which the figures dispense their oracular wisdom suggests these terracottas may have been models for larger sculptures intended to ornament the library of a learned patron.

Sibyl

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