The Cumaean Sibyl before Tarquin the Proud

16th century

Not on view

This lively narrative scene is related to a lost fresco cycle for the Palazzo Torfanini in Bologna, which depicted episodes from the life of the last king of Rome, Tarquin the Proud. The scene represents the critical moment when King Tarquin decides to purchase the remaining three volumes of the prophetic books offered him by the Cumaean Sibyl. Six of these volumes are already burning in the foreground, cast onto the flames when the king refused to pay the high price demanded by the sibyl. Although Niccolò left for Fontainebleau in 1552, the decorative works that he carried out in Bologna had a lasting influence on artists of that city.

Artwork Details

Title: The Cumaean Sibyl before Tarquin the Proud
Artist: Niccolò dell' Abate (Italian, Modena 1509–1571 Fontainebleau (?))
Date: 16th century
Medium: Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, highlighted with white gouache, on traces of leadpoint or black chalk
Dimensions: Sheet: 8 5/8 x 6 1/16 in. (21.9 x 15.4 cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Purchase, Guy Wildenstein Gift, 2002
Object Number: 2002.117
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

By Niccolò dell' Abate

In the same medium

From the same time and place

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Historical Scene (Composition Study for Chapelle de Guise), Niccolò dell' Abate Italian, Pen and brown ink, highlighted with white gouache over traces of black chalk; framing outlines with pen and brown ink — Historical Scene (Composition Study for Chapelle de Guise)
Niccolò dell' Abate
16th century

A Frieze Portraying a Music Party, Niccolò dell' Abate , circle of Italian, Red chalk — A Frieze Portraying a Music Party
Niccolò dell' Abate
1512–71

Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saint Basil the Great and Saint John the Baptist and Donor, Niccolò dell' Abate Italian, Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash. Mounted on board — Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saint Basil the Great and Saint John the Baptist and Donor
Niccolò dell' Abate
1540–50

Saint Jerome Praying in a Landscape, Niccolò dell' Abate Italian, Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, highlighted with white gouache — Saint Jerome Praying in a Landscape
Niccolò dell' Abate
1550–60

Jupiter and Juno: Study for the "Furti di Giove" Tapestries, Perino del Vaga (Pietro Buonaccorsi) Italian, Pen and dark brown ink, brush and brown and gray wash, highlighted with white gouache — Jupiter and Juno: Study for the "Furti di Giove" Tapestries
Perino del Vaga (Pietro Buonaccorsi)
ca. 1532–35

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