DOMENICHINO
(b. 1581, Bologna, d. 1641, Napoli)

The Cumaean Sibyl

1616-17
Oil on canvas, 123 x 89 cm
Galleria Borghese, Rome

Chromatic modulations characterize the Sibyl by Domenichino, who was also an expert in music. The figure is depicted with a viola da gamba and a music book, because traditionally in antiquity sibyls sang their prophecies to the accompaniment of musical instruments.




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