The Phrygian Sibyl

Art Historical Context

The Phrygian Sibyl, engraved in the 16th century by the artist known as the Master with the Name of Jesus, captures one of the ancient prophetic women celebrated in classical and Renaissance thought. Sibyls were revered as seers whose oracles were believed to foretell major events, and the Phrygian Sibyl, associated with the region of Asia Minor, was often linked to themes of divine wisdom and revelation. This print reflects the period’s renewed interest in Greco-Roman antiquity, as scholars and artists sought to connect Christian theology with pagan prophecy. As an engraving, the work highli...