Secrets of the Sibyls — Sandro Botticelli, Filippino Lippi and artistic practice in Florence

The Christ Church Sibyls have intrigued scholars and visitors alike. These two large paintings showing ancient female prophets, were created by two of the greatest artists of the Florentine Renaissance – Sandro Botticelli and Filippino Lippi.

Trying to visualise their artistic friendship and collaboration, the exhibition will look underneath the painted surface and reveal the underdrawings and design process of these fascinating panels.

The show will also include some of the most outstanding Florentine drawings of the time, among them two newly-attributed works by Botticelli, figure studies by Filippino, but also sheets from rivalling workshops and their artists – like Verrocchio, Leonardo, Lorenzo di Credi and many more: a feast of Florentine Renaissance drawings, all taken from the Christ Church collection.

(Visitors who have bought a ticket to visit Christ Church are entitled to the reduced £3 Gallery entrance charge. For further information and gallery opening times, visit: Visiting the Gallery | Christ Church, University of Oxford)