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....Bronzino, Agnolo (1503-1572) An Allegory (Venus, Cupid, Time and Folly)
c. 1540-45
Oil on wood
146 x 116 cm
The allegory is a conscious challenge to uncover the truth behind the scene. Mannerism - this style of painting - natural is pardonable whereas mannerism with effort is offensive. Thus we see a joyous Venus in natural surrender to cupids avances. Father Time though is not so happy, nor is the man left in the back. Folly doesn't care and is happy too. Is thus time the only serious and capable limit put on our Venus and cupid affairs? The mourning man does not control, he is desperate. But Father Time tells that folly comes along with it and that we should be serious with him. The folly of love wanes over time and at the same time persists with it if the sexual is loyal to its nature; if we know the time with it and for it. Thus can this be an exciting invitation for the love of heaven as well as a warning against a lack of father Time with it. Keep your love in order. The one speaking this truth is father time itself as the voice of God. He keeps the serious of order and the wisdom of old age despite of our eventual follies with the natural right and eternal youth of love.
National Gallery, London
