PINTURICCHIO
(b. ca. 1454, Perugia, d. 1513, Siena)

Four Enthroned Sibyls

1501
Fresco
Collegiata di Santa Maria Maggiore, Spello

On the vaulting of the chapel four enthroned sibyls are depicted. Their aedicula-like thrones differ only slightly from one another and fit nicely into the triangular vaulting compartments separated by broad ornamental bands. The texts of the sibyls' prophecies, referring both to Mary an to her child, appear on the faces of flanking altars topped by triangular pediments and richly decorated with a classical decor of masks and festoons. A pair of eagles stands in front of each altar.