Sibille van Cumae, genaamd Amalthea 1546 - 1562

This engraving by Frans Huys, now held at the Rijksmuseum, depicts the Cumaean Sibyl, a priestess of Apollo famed for her prophecies. Note the prominent book she holds, a symbol of knowledge and divine foresight. The Sibyl’s book is not merely an attribute, but a potent emblem. In Roman legend, she offered nine books of prophecies to King Tarquin, burning them one by one when he refused to pay her price, until he relented for the last three. This tale echoes in other narratives, hinting at humanity's complex dance with wisdom and fate. Consider the cyclical nature of such symbols. The book, initially a vessel of divine knowledge, becomes a testament to lost opportunities and human stubbornness, yet retains its power to engage us on a deep, subconscious level, reminding us of the choices we make and their lasting impact.