Plafondschildering met allegorische figuren 1692 - 1696

This engraving by Bernard Picart captures an allegorical scene rife with symbolic weight. At its heart, Time carries Truth, rescuing her from Envy and Wrath. Note the ouroboros encircling the putto, the serpent eating its own tail. A symbol of cyclical time and eternity, it echoes through ancient mythologies, from Egyptian lore to Gnostic traditions, signifying the eternal return and the perpetual renewal of existence. Wrath and Envy are visually distinct, yet both represent primal emotional forces. Envy, often depicted with snakes, embodies the venomous nature of begrudging others' fortune, a motif that can be traced back to classical depictions of vice. Meanwhile, Wrath, contorted in rage, mirrors the destructive potential of unchecked anger. These motifs and gestures engage us on a subconscious level. The dynamic composition, with Time ascending, conveys a powerful sense of hope and liberation. These symbols represent timeless struggles and the human quest for truth and eternity. It is not linear but perpetually recurring in our collective consciousness.