# Studies for the Libyan Sibyl (recto); Studies for the Libyan Sibyl and a small Sketch for a Seated Figure (verso)

**Michelangelo Buonarroti** (Italian, 1475–1564)  
ca. 1510–11  
Red chalk, with small accents of white chalk on the left shoulder of the figure in the main study (recto); soft black chalk, or less probably charcoal (verso)  
Sheet: 11 3/8 × 8 7/16 in. (28.9 × 21.4 cm) Framed: 21 × 16 in. (53.3 × 40.6 cm)

Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 24.197.2. [The museum's record](https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/337497).

## About this work

Michelangelo Buonarroti drew this in about 1510–11, aged 36. It is now at The Met in New York.

### How it was made

- **Chalk.** Natural black, red and white chalks. Used together on toned paper they could give the warmth of flesh with very little effort, and they were favourites for studies from life.
- **Charcoal.** Burnt willow or vine. It smudges and wipes away easily, which made it the natural tool for working out a composition.

### [Michelangelo Buonarroti](https://www.ochreeditions.com/artists/michelangelo-buonarroti)

Italian, 1475–1564; born in Caprese; died in Rome

## Facts

- Type: Drawings
- The artist was 36
- Real size: about 11 × 8½ in (29 × 21 cm). The 8 × 10 in print is close to life size.
- Century: 16th century
- Subjects: Women
- Colour: brown
- Rights: public domain (CC0 1.0); free to use for any purpose.

## Get it

- Free download, full resolution: https://img.ochreeditions.com/m/1023.jpg?dl=1
- Image: https://img.ochreeditions.com/a/1023/1920.jpg
- Giclée reproduction on Hahnemühle Photo Rag: 8 × 10 in $28; 11 × 14 in $38; 12 × 16 in $42; 16 × 20 in $56; 18 × 24 in $68; 20 × 30 in $86
- Framed reproduction: 8 × 10 in $78; 11 × 14 in $98; 12 × 16 in $108; 16 × 20 in $138; 18 × 24 in $164; 20 × 30 in $208
- Canvas reproduction: 8 × 10 in $58; 11 × 14 in $72; 12 × 16 in $79; 16 × 20 in $98; 18 × 24 in $118
- Print-ready file: 8 × 10 in $2; 11 × 14 in $2; 12 × 16 in $3; 16 × 20 in $3; 18 × 24 in $3; 20 × 30 in $5

Sizes stop where the museum's file would print below 150 pixels per inch. Everything sold is a reproduction, made to order. [Order a print](https://www.ochreeditions.com/art/studies-for-the-libyan-sibyl-recto-studies-for-the-libyan-si-met-337497).