The Erythraean Sibyl

The tall, elegant woman is a Sibyl, a priestess of classical antiquityClassical antiquityClassical antiquity refers to the period in which Graeco-Roman civilization flourished. It began in the 7th century BC with the rise of Athens and ended in the 4th century AD when the Roman emperors adopted Christianity. It was a period in which culture reached new heights. Two thousand years ago classical civilization encompassed much of Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa. The art and architecture of classical antiquity have long counted as the standard by which all art should be measured. The literature, philosophy and mythology of this period remained one of the principal sources of European thought until well into the 20th century.. Van Heemskerck's portrait dates from 1564, towards the end of his career. She displays a grandeur and grace. This is typical of Van Heemskerck's late work. This panel was originally part of a triptych the other sections of which were probably lost during the 'Iconoclast Fury'. On the reverse is a portrait of a man, the patron who commissioned the work.