Sibyl Reading

16th century

Italian 16th Century, after Ugo da Carpi

Associated Names
Ugo da Carpi

Artist After, Italian, c. 1480 - 1532

The image shows two figures in an indoor setting with only part of their bodies visible. The person on the right is seated and facing left, slightly turned towards the person holding a torch. They have a profile view, revealing delicate facial features and tightly curled hair pulled back elegantly. They are wearing a long, voluminous dress with puffed sleeves. The seated individual holds an open book in one hand, partially obscured by the flame. The person to the left is a smaller figure, standing, holding a large, lit torch that provides illumination. This smaller figure has curly hair and wears a simple, long-sleeved garment. There are no visible pieces of jewelry. The background showcases crosshatched textures with a subtle design, and the letter 'R' is prominently visible on one side.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    chiaroscuro woodcut in two blocks, printed in black and brown, on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ruth and Jacob Kainen Memorial Acquisition Fund

  • Dimensions

    block: 26.7 × 21.6 cm (10 1/2 × 8 1/2 in.)
    sheet: 36.8 × 26.1 cm (14 1/2 × 10 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2019.130.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bartsch, no. 6 [as Ugo da Carpi]


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(James A. Bergquist, Newton Centre, MA); purchased 2019 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: no. 6 [as Ugo da Carpi]

Inscriptions

upper left in image: R

Watermarks

small footed pot surmounted with three trefoils, similar to Briquet 626, French 16th century)


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