Raffaello, Sibille e angeli, 1514, 06

Two monumental female figures, identified as ancient prophetesses, react to messengers from heaven. An angel in flight holds a scroll with Greek text, while a small winged putto rests on a stone tablet inscribed with further prophecy. The figures are captured in dynamic poses, with one holding a closed book as she gazes upward in a state of inspiration.

Sibyls were seen by Renaissance thinkers as pagan counterparts to the biblical prophets, forming part of a 'Prisca Theologia' or ancient theology that bridged classical antiquity and Christianity. This fresco illustrates the Neoplatonic effort to harmonize ancient mystery traditions with Christian revelation.