The Four Times of Day c. 1640

Charles Le Brun created the series *The Four Times of Day*, exploring themes of time and existence through classical allegory. Created in France, these images were produced during a time marked by the reign of Louis XIV, also known as the "Sun King," where art served as a powerful tool for political and cultural expression. Le Brun adopts traditional European representations of mythological figures from classical antiquity as the subject of his compositions. In each image, he presents us with a sequence of idealized male and female figures, evoking a sense of timelessness and universality. These figures, with their exaggerated musculature and theatrical gestures, invite viewers to imagine themselves within these mythic narratives. Each segment captures a moment of intimacy and interaction between figures, set against serene landscapes. Le Brun uses the allegory of the times of day to explore the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. *The Four Times of Day* encourages contemplation on humanity's place in the universe, and in the context of seventeenth century France, to reflect on the role of the monarchy.