Simon Vouet: Time is defeated by Hope, Love and Beauty (1627)

(Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain)

An allegory by the French artist Simon Vouet (1590-1649). The old man in this painting is the Roman god Saturn who is associated with wealth, agriculture, liberation, and (in this case) time. Saturn has fallen and his attibuted, a scythe and an hourglass, are beside him. The other persons on this painting are (from left to right): the Roman goddess Spes, who represents Hope, with her attribute an anchor. Next to her are two winged Cupids who represent Amor, the god of desire attraction and affection. On the right is the Roman Goddess Venus who represents Love and Beauty. Under normal circumstances Time defeats Love, Beauty and Hope. At the dawn of a New Year however, Time is defeated and their positions are reversed. Painting from 1627.