2-746-133 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Tiburtine Sibyl and the Emperor Augustus, c. 1527-1530/31. This print depicts the Roman Emperor Augustus (reigned 27 BC-AD 14) and the Tiburtine Sybil, one of several women that Apollo bestowed with prophetic powers. Augustus was deciding whether or not to accept apotheosis (recognition of the emperor as a god after death) and asked the Tiburtine Sybil for advice. Instead of giving him a direct answer, she predicted the coming of a child who would rule the world. At that moment, a vision of the Madonna and Christ Child appeared before them. Antonio da Trento probably made this print under the direct supervision of Parmigianino.