Raffaello, Sibille e angeli, 1514, 11

Two female prophets from antiquity are shown in graceful, seated poses flanking a central arch. They are accompanied by angels who present scrolls and tablets containing Greek inscriptions, while a central winged child holds a lit torch signifying divine illumination. The figures are draped in vibrant orange, blue, and pink robes, embodying the High Renaissance ideal of harmonizing classical form with spiritual grace.

The Sibyls were central to Renaissance Neoplatonism as 'pagan' prophets whose verses were believed to have predicted the coming of Christ, forming part of the 'prisca theologia' (ancient theology). This work illustrates the intellectual effort to bridge the gap between classical Greek wisdom and Christian revelation, a project favored by Raphael's patrons in the papal circle.