Time was painted by Antoine Jacquard in 1612.

Where can I see Time?

Time is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Time?

Time is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Time

Antoine Jacquard , 1612

Time is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Antoine Jacquard. It dates from 1612 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

At its core stands a winged figure clutching both a sun and a moon, encircled by numerous smaller characters engaged in varied activities.

Antoine Jacquard’s 1612 engraving titled “Time” presents a circular composition filled with a bustling tableau. At its core stands a winged figure clutching both a sun and a moon, encircled by numerous smaller characters engaged in varied activities. The periphery is adorned with Roman numerals, enigmatic symbols, and a mixture of faces and animal forms, while the backdrop suggests a village scene featuring a church and a bridge.

Subject & Meaning

The central winged entity is commonly interpreted as an allegorical personification of Time, reinforced by the title and the celestial bodies it bears. The surrounding figures and the juxtaposition of day and night elements may allude to the passage of hours and the cyclical nature of human endeavors within a temporal framework.

Technique & Style

Jacquard employed the intricate cross‑hatching method, layering fine lines to render subtle shadows and a sense of depth across the dense composition. This meticulous approach allows the engraving to convey texture, from the delicate wings of the central figure to the architectural details of the distant village.

History & Provenance

Created in the early seventeenth century, the print reflects the period’s fascination with allegorical subjects and the technical prowess of printmakers. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is attributed to Jacquard, a French engraver active during the transition from Renaissance to Baroque visual culture.