#10536 • 16th C. "Sibyl Predicting Christ's Birth" Painting
Part of Pierre Argillet & Royal Family Art Collection (timed auction by GWS Auctions)
Starting at $1.00
Status: Sold
Est. $2,000,000-$2,250,000 16th C. Original Oil on Canvas Painting Depicting "The Sibyl Predicting to Emperor Augustus the Birth of Christ" Attributed to Prince Lorenzo de Medici W/Letter on Personal Letterhead - This magnificent piece is an original, 16th century oil on canvas painting depicting the Sibyl predicting to Emperor Augustus the birth of Christ. The painting beautifully narrates one of the first events during the transition between the Pagan and Christian times. The theme of the artwork is the moment in which Emperor Augustus, the most powerful man of his time, asked the Sibyl, who was known for her predictions and prophecies, if it was suitable for him, a most celebrated man by his subjects, to be proclaimed as a Divinity. The Sibyl after three days revealed to the Emperor a prophecy about the imminent arrival of the real God on Earth. The painting recreates a figurative account of the moment in which the Sibyl's oracle occurs and she answers Augustus by pointing her finger at the sky, where the Madonna and the Child appeared surrounded by golden rays to signify their divinity. With this gesture she announced the birth of the Christ. This stunning painting can be considered a first form of Medieval POP Art, due to the intense expression in the eyes of the Madonna and the Child or other figurative details such as the large size of the Sibyl’s pointed finger. This painting is believed to have been painted between 1500-1550, and is in stunning condition for its age. The painting measures approx. 75" x 59". This special piece is attributed to Prince Lorenzo de Medici, descendant and heir to one of the most famous family names in human history. The de' Medici Dynasty, which created the Italian Renaissance, symbolizes unparalleled historical contributions to art, politics, banking, cuisine, medicine, accounting, philanthropy, commerce, geography, agriculture, religion, textiles, and fashion. Prince Lorenzo is a philanthropist, international keynote speaker, television personality, chef and culinary expert, artist, and auto enthusiast, fluent in English, Italian, Spanish, Polish, and Russian. This piece will come with a letter from the Prince, on his personal stationery.
