Victoria and Albert Museum
The world’s greatest museum of art and design
Opening times
10.00 to 17.45 daily
10.00 to 22.00 Fridays
The Royal Academy & the Market for Miniatures
James Scouler, portrait of an unknown woman as 'A Sibyl'
James Scouler, portrait of an unknown woman as 'A Sibyl'
James Scouler (about 1740-1812)
Portrait of an unknown woman as 'A Sibyl'
1772
Watercolour on ivory
Signed lower right 'Scouler' and dated '1772'
Museum no. P.42-1977
Given by Robert L. Bayne-Powell
A sybil was a prophetess in classical mythology. Sir Joshua Reynolds, first president of the Royal Academy, made it fashionable for ladies to be painted in mythological roles. Scouler exhibited 'A Sibyl' at the Royal Academy in 1775.
