The Eritrean Sibyl

early 1570s

Giorgio Ghisi after Michelangelo

Associated Names
Giorgio Ghisi

Artist, Italian, 1520 - 1582

Michelangelo

Artist After, Florentine, 1475 - 1564

This is a drawing of a classical architectural and sculptural ceiling design. The image features a central seated figure, flanked by smaller figures and decorative elements. The main figure sits atop a ledge with draped garments detailed to convey movement and weight. Below, two seated figures are positioned under an architectural arch. Above them are smaller nude figures in a muscular style, holding positions in the design. The architectural elements suggest a high level of detail and perspective, typical of Renaissance drawings.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 56.2 x 43.2 cm (22 1/8 x 17 in.)
    sheet: 59.8 x 44.9 cm (23 9/16 x 17 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1985.57.2

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Boorsch/Lewis 1985, no. 45, State ii/v

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Earl Spencer (Lugt Supp.2341a)

Associated Names

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna: J.V. Degen, 1802-1821.

1985

  • Boorsch, Suzanne and Michal and R.E. Lewis. The Engravings of Giorgio Ghisi. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1985.

Inscriptions

across bottom in plate on the frieze under the cornice: MICHAEL ANGELVS INVENT. ET PINXIT. GEORGIVS MANTVANVS FECIT Nic.o Van alst formis Romae; lower right in plate: I; lower left verso in graphite: 7074; lower center verso in ink: (not deciphered)

Wikidata ID

Q74069578

You may be interested in

Loading Results