Artwork Description
Swoon – Sibylant Sketch Oracle of Delphi
Dimensions: 24 x 19″
Year: 2023
Medium: acrylic gouache on paper
The Oracle of Delphi is one of the most mysterious and powerful female personae of the ancient world. Her name was Pythia, and she was the high priestess and oracle at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece, from at least 800 B.C. The Temple of Apollo was previously dedicated to Gaia, mother of earth and of all life. In a bold move of religious syncretism, the male god replaced the female fertility deity that had inspired the population for countless years. Yet, the female oracle continued to be the most influential voice in all of the ancient world. People would travel great lengths to seek her advice in determining some of the most monumental decisions of their lives and their governance.