Reflections

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Monday, March 13, 2023

Sayings of Publilius Syrus 104


Man's most prudent counselor is time. 

IMAGE: Jean-Francois de Troy, An Allegory of Time Unveiling Truth (1733) 

What a wonderful painting on the old saying, "Truth is the daughter of Time." 

As Father Time lifts the veil from Truth, she in turn exposes Deceit. 

Truth stands upon a globe, representing the Earth from which she springs forth. 

She points to the four Cardinal Virtues, who are in turn inspired by her. 

Temperance carries her water jug. 

Prudence grasps a snake. 

Justice holds the sword and the scales. 

Fortitude rests upon a lion. 

The expressions and glances between the characters, and at the viewer, are priceless. I fear I am in a very small minority of those who still admire art like this. Perhaps time will someday change that. 

—2/2012 



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