Raffaello - Die Cumäische Sibylle (Studie für das Sibyllenfresko, S. Maria della Pace, Rom), 181

The drawing shows a woman in profile, her head covered with a veil and her body wrapped in heavy, folded robes. She sits on a simple block, steadying a large open book on her lap with her left hand. The sketch focuses on the weight of the figure and the flow of her garments.

Sibyls were ancient prophetesses who, in the Renaissance Neoplatonic tradition, were believed to have foretold the coming of Christ to the pagan world. This study for the Chigi Chapel reflects the effort to harmonize classical antiquity with Christian theology.