Why no visitor to a gallery in London can safely pass by the painting “Time orders old age to destroy beauty” Bashny.Net

In 1746, the famous Italian painter Pompeo Batoni painted a painting with a very long and capacious title - "Time orders old age to destroy beauty." This work of art is now in the National Gallery in London. And despite its venerable age, it does not cease to attract the attention of visitors to the gallery. Why is that? Let's figure it out!



The Italian painter Pompeo Girolamo Batoni Pompeo Girolamo Batoni (1708 – 1787) was one of those artists who managed to find fame during his lifetime. Moreover, he was a celebrity among aristocrats. That is, many representatives of the upper layer of society wanted to use his services as a portrait painter. Among his clients were representatives of the Italian, Austrian and Russian aristocracy. The artist has more than 200 commissioned portraits, counting his own works.

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Post by Coworking "Sea of Change" (@more.peremen)



One such painting is “Time orders old age to destroy beauty.” The title itself already reveals the essence of the work of Pompeo Batoni. However, this canvas deserves closer attention. It's all about the details.

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Posted by Irena Mormul (@irenamormul)



Time commands old age to destroy beauty. So, the picture depicts 3 characters: Beauty, Time and Old Age.

An old man with angel wings is Time. This can be seen from the hourglass he holds in his right hand. No one and nothing can affect the fall of grains of sand in a glass vessel. Just as time is inexorable in its transience.

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Posted by Irena Mormul (@irenamormul)



The girl turns away in the image of Beauty. She has clean, delicate skin, a blush on her puffy cheeks. And her golden curls crumble across her shoulders. She also wears a light airy robe that sets her apart from a dim background. The eyes can read tenderness and fear at the same time. Because she is afraid of the third participant of the canvas.

Meanwhile, to the face of Beauty stretches a dark wrinkled hand Old age. She appears as an ugly old woman in shabby clothes. Grey hair is knocked out from under the headscarf. In her hand, she holds a kind of broomstick.

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Publication by Interior Designer Moscow (@lizardizart)



Though Beauty tries to dodge the touch of Old Age, it cannot last forever. But she still has time. You can see it in the flowering tree behind the beauty. However, old age will still catch up with beauty. I mean, sooner or later. Undoubtedly, one day the tree will turn into a dry branch, which can be seen above Old Age (in the upper right corner).

The essence of the picture is clear: no matter how hard we try, Time will take its course. So we need to use the years, months and days we have been given and enjoy life. Therefore, you need to try yourself in something new, travel and soak up the beauty of this world. There's still a chance. And more importantly, time.

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Posted by Paolo (@paolo_lario)



This is how the Italian painter depicted the transience of life.

Italian painter – the result How do you feel about the work of Pompeo Batoni? What did you like or dislike about Time Orders Old Age to Destroy Beauty? What other paintings on similar subjects do you know?