Allegory of the triumph of Art over Time

(Music and Astrology that contribute to the harmony of the spheres)

Oil painting on canvas

64 x 139 cm.

Framed 80 x 155 cm.

Provenance: Eric La Pipe (Brussels, Belgium), private collection

Work published in the RDK archive (Netherlands Institute for Art History):
https://rkd.nl/images/208961

We are in front of a beautiful allegorical work, with at the center the sublime figure of Apollo, the god of music and science, as well as the one who pulls the chariot of the Sun through the celestial vault. At his side is portrayed an elderly man with large and full-bodied wings, who would represent the personification of Time (according to the saying "Volat irreparabile tempus") and therefore of the god Kronos, who holds the sphere of the celestial vault with the signs of the zodiac with one hand , alluding to the passage of time.

The work, traditionally known as 'Allegory of the triumph of Art over Time', would therefore like to highlight the immortal beauty of the god Apollo and his enchanting music, capable of deceiving the passage of time and lasting for eternity.

By carefully examining the subject in our pleasant composition, we will at the same time be inclined to an alternative interpretation, with Music and Astrology as protagonists, first considered by Pythagoras as two sciences closely connected to each other, linked by a very fascinating profound meaning, defined as ''Harmony of the spheres''.

This doctrine referred to a particular property of the Universe which, through the movements of the planets, produced a musical chord of great intensity and beauty.

This metaphor of nature as a perfect symphony leads us to see Apollo as the emblem of this order of the world: with his famous lyre and surrounded by scores and musical instruments he becomes the conductor of a sort of "planetary concert" ; next to him is Time which marks the passing of the hours and therefore the movement of the stars.

The interpretations on the reading of the subject are articulated on multiple allegorical levels, integrated in a coherent way with each other. It is therefore a work that gives us multiple ideas for study, while at the same time being a painting of great aesthetic and decorative value.

The painting, certainly commissioned by an erudite client of the time, is a signed and dated work by the Flemish painter Matthijs (or Matthias) de Visch (1701 in Reninge – 1765 Bruges), known mainly for his allegorical scenes, executed in a style from late-baroque character, although its typical use of soft tones would take us into rococo.

He was a pupil of Joseph van den Kerckhove, in Bruges, but numerous trips were fundamental for his training, especially in Italy where he remained for over nine years, between Venice, Parma and Piacenza, and Paris, before returning to his homeland and becoming director of the Bruges Academy of Art in 1739.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is completed by a pleasant gilded wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.

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It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

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