Raffaello, Sibille e angeli, 1514, 14

The youthful Tiburtine Sibyl (left) and the aged Cumaean Sibyl (right) are depicted in dynamic poses, accompanied by celestial messengers. A putto holds a tablet with Latin text between them, while an angel in flight unfurls a scroll containing Greek prophecy. The figures bridge the gap between classical antiquity and Christian revelation through their focused study of these divine messages.

Sibyls were central to the Renaissance Neoplatonic concept of 'prisca theologia,' representing the belief that ancient pagan prophetesses had foreknowledge of Christian truths. This work exemplifies the intellectual project of the Roman Renaissance to harmonize classical philosophy and the mysteries of antiquity with Catholic theology.