Apollo and the Cumean Sybil c. 1780

Salvator Rosa created this etching, Apollo and the Cumaean Sibyl, in Italy sometime in the mid-17th century. It depicts Apollo, the god of music, poetry and prophecy from Greek and Roman mythology, encountering the Cumaean Sibyl, a priestess of Apollo known for delivering oracles at Cumae, an ancient city near Naples. The power dynamic between the figures might be a commentary on the social structures of Rosa’s time. Apollo, though a god, appears contemplative and is seated, while the Sibyl stands before him, seemingly in control of the encounter. Rosa was known for his independent spirit and often challenged the artistic conventions of his time. It can be read as a reflection of Rosa’s own position as an artist navigating the patronage system. To understand Rosa's work fully, scholars delve into the cultural and intellectual climate of 17th-century Italy, examining the artist's biography, contemporary philosophical trends, and the role of mythological subjects in artistic expression. Art history shows us that meaning is always shaped by context.