The sibyl of Cumae is a mythological figure. We see here in Joseph Mallord William Turner's painting a section in which Aeneas asks this Sibylle for Vergil's stories about entering the underworld. Turner locates the scenery in a Mediterranean-like landscape of unique beauty. At first glance, no cave can be seen. But a female figure dressed in bright white, pointing with her arm and forefinger in the sky. With her back to the observer, the ancient hero in red robes approaches her; At his side are fellow combatants and a chariot. The lake, gracefully situated in the picture center, green wooded hills and a distant shoreline evoke a nature of perfect beauty and great power. Light and shadow become great, also in terms of color, staged: In the sunny foreground of the picture one can see rock slabs that obviously mark the entrance to the underworld.

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Aeneas and the Cumaean Sybil by Joseph Mallord William Turner. Available as an art print on canvas, photo paper, watercolor board, uncoated paper or Japanese paper.
lake · city · mountains · woman · clouds · chariot · roman · ancient · wagon · aeneas · cumaean · Sybil