Sibylla Phrygia

Hi everyone! My name is Isabella, and I'm so excited to show you a really cool picture! It's called "Sibylla Phrygia," and it's super old – from way back in 1575! That's like, hundreds and hundreds of years ago! Can anyone guess how old that is? (Pause for answers) Wow, you're all so smart! nn This picture is a special kind of print, called an etching. It's not painted with brushes, but made by carving lines into a metal plate and then printing it. Imagine scratching a design into a metal cookie cutter, and then using that to make lots of copies! This picture is only about this big (gesture to indicate size), but it tells a big story. nn

(Pause for questions) nn The picture shows a woman named the Phrygian Sibyl. She was a really important person in ancient stories. They said she could talk to the gods and tell the future! Look at her – she's sitting on a rock, looking up to the sky. What do you think she's thinking about? (Pause for answers) Maybe she's listening to the gods, or maybe she's seeing something amazing! See her hands? They're clasped together like she's praying. And look at her dress – it's flowing and beautiful, just like a queen's! nn

(Pause for questions) nn See the trees and the sea in the background? The artist, Philip Galle, was really good at making things look real. He used light and dark to make the picture look three-dimensional, like it pops out! Can you see the shadows? What do they make you think of? (Pause for answers) They help us see the shapes and the depth of the picture, making it feel alive! nn

(Pause for questions) nn This picture isn't just pretty; it tells us about the time it was made. People back then loved stories from ancient Greece and Rome, and they were very interested in religion and philosophy. This picture shows us a bit of what they believed in. It's like a little window into the past! Isn't that amazing? nn

(Pause for questions) nn So, what did you think of "Sibylla Phrygia"? What was your favorite part? (Pause for answers) I'm so glad you all came to see this wonderful picture with me today! Remember, art is all around us, and it can tell us so many amazing stories! Now, let's go explore some more art!