Egyptische Sibille 1610 - 1676

This engraving of the Egyptian Sibyl was made by an anonymous artist. It’s part of a series depicting different sibyls, female figures from classical antiquity who were believed to possess prophetic powers. Here, the artist imagines the Sibyl as a classically draped figure in an exotic landscape. In the background is what seems to be an Egyptian city, complete with what looks like minarets. The open book and snake-entwined branch suggest wisdom and knowledge, while the text beneath speaks of prophecy and fate. Images like this emerged during a period of increased interest in classical learning. Yet they also reflect early modern Europe's fascination with other cultures. As art historians, we might examine the visual language of this print, comparing it to other images of sibyls and considering how it reflects early modern understandings of antiquity and Egypt. What we call art is always shaped by a specific historical and institutional context, and we need to research those contexts in order to fully understand it.