Augustus and the Tiburtine Sibyl
follower of Hugo van der Goes (c.1440 - 1482)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1470 - 1529
Materials
Oil on panel (oak)
Measurements
390 x 354 x 65 mm
Place of origin
Netherlands
Order this imageCollection
Upton House, Warwickshire
NT 446755
Caption
According to tradition, when the Senate decreed that the Emperor Augustus (Octavian) should be made a mortal god, the emperor asked the Sibyl whether he should accept. She foretold the coming of a child who would be greater than all the Roman gods. The Madonna and Child then appeared to the Emperor, who has here removed his hat in a sign of adoration. It has been suggested that this painting originally formed one half of a diptych, the other panel showing the Madonna. The format was adapted from a type where a donor and Saint were shown in adoration. The Tiburtine Sibyl wears a jewelled headdress decorated with the words SIBILLA R…. [the latter part of the script has been damaged].
Summary
Oil painting on oak panel, Augustus and the Tiburtine Sibyl, by a follower of Hugo van der Goes, (Ghent c.1440 - d.1482). Half length figures facing towards the left; the bearded emperor kneels, his hands joined in prayer, a turban supported in his arms, wearing a dark blue habit and red cloak with wide fur collar and cuffs and a gold chain round his neck. Behind him the Tiburtine Sibyl wears an embroidered grey dress and blue collar edged with gold, and green sleeves; her ornamented and jewelled headdress is decorated with the words SIBILLA R... In the background, seen beyond a parapet, is the courtyard of a palace with scattered figures.
Provenance
Capt. R.A. Ogilby of Londonderry sale, Christie's, 28 April 1922, lot 74: bought by Sabin, from whom acquired by Lord Bearsted (with 5% commission) for 1097.5.0; given with Upton House to the National Trust by Walter Samuel, 2nd Viscount Bearsted (1882 – 1948) shortly before his death
Credit line
Upton House, The Bearsted Collection (National Trust)
Marks and inscriptions
SIBILLA R... (inscribed on headdress)
Makers and roles
follower of Hugo van der Goes (c.1440 - 1482), artist
Exhibition history
New Light on Old Masters, Squash Court Gallery, 2013
