“Arachne (A Sybil)” is an oil on canvas artwork by the renowned artist Diego Velazquez, created approximately between 1644 and 1648. Embodying the Baroque style of art, it is categorized under mythological painting. Presently, the artwork is housed in the Meadows Museum located in Dallas, Texas, United States.
In the artwork, the figure of a woman is depicted with great attention to the subtleties of flesh and fabric, a characteristic feature of Velazquez’s mastery of paint. The woman’s gaze is directed slightly upward and to her right, displaying an expression that suggests deep contemplation or engagement with an unseen presence or event. The lighting focuses on the woman’s face and her bare shoulder, while her draped white garment suggests classical attire, reminiscent of mythological themes. The brushwork is fluid and loose in the background, yet more detailed and delicate where it defines the woman’s features and attire.
This portrait captures the essence of the Baroque movement, with its emphasis on drama, emotion, and the play of light and shadow, all hallmarks of Velazquez’s most evocative work. The identity of the figure as a sybil, or a prophetess from ancient mythology, further situates this painting within the longstanding European tradition of blending classical references with contemporary artistry.
