Allegory of Time Revealing the Truth

Allegory of Time Revealing the Truth by Theodor Van Thulden 1657 - Naked truth depicted here as a young woman, is rescued by a winged figure of old Father Time as she emerges from the profound darkness of the cave in which she has been confined. In the foreground, a snake-haired envy appears at the left with a burning torch in her hand, and the center, stupidity, both seeking to prevent Truth's progress. Floating above the figure of envy are the Chimeras, female figures with snakes tails in place of legs. On the ground beneath the feet of Father Time, is the fallen figure of Hypocrisy whose conventional mask lies in his hands. Veritas Filia Temporis, "truth is the daughter of time"

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