This terracotta model of "Time and Death"is ascribed to Bernini. In its construction and modelling it compares closely with Bernini's authenticated clay sketch-models. The theme was one of Bernini's abiding obsessions and the design suggests that it was made for an ephemeral work, a funeral catafalque. There are extremely close analogies with the figures of Time and Death on Bernini's catafalque for the funeral of the Duc de Beaufort in Rome in 1669.
Both Time and Death appear regularly and more or less interchangeably in Roman tombs of this period as reminders of mortality, but here they are represented as contrasted rivals. The overall meaning is clear: the passage of Time confirms the immortality of the reputation of the deceased through Fame (or of their soul, through redemption), thus cheating an angry Death of its prize.
Physical description
The winged bearded figure of Time carries a coffin aloft over his left shoulder. Death, also winged, a skeletal figure, kneeling on his left knee, seizes Time's mantle. The model is rough at the back, a feature typical of Bernini.
Place of Origin
Rome, Italy (made)
Date
ca. 1670 (made)
Artist/maker
Bernini, Gian Lorenzo, born 1598 - died 1680 (probably, artist)
Materials and Techniques
Terracotta, with traces of gilding
Dimensions
Height: 368 mm, Width: 265 mm, Depth: 205 mm
Object history note
From the collection of the neoclassical sculptor Adamo Tadolini in Rome, then by descent to his great-grandson, the sculptor Ehrice Tadolini. Sold by his heirs, at Christie's sale 20 June 1983, lot 45. Offered to the Museum through Christie's for less than the reserve - £10,374.
Historical significance: In its construction and modelling it compares closely with Bernini's authenticated clay sketch-models. The theme was one of Bernini's abiding obsessions and the design suggests that it was made for an ephemeral work, a funeral catafalque. There are extremely close analogies with the figures of Time and Death on Bernini's catafalque for the funeral of the Duc de Beaufort in Rome in 1669.
Descriptive line
Statuette, terracotta, of Time and Death, attributed to Gianlorenzo Bernini, Italy (Rome), ca. 1670
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Avery, Charles. Bernini: Genius of the Baroque, London, 1997, pp. 130-31, illus.
Fraschetti, S., Il Bernini, Rome, 1900, p. 256
Wittkower, R. Gian Lorenzo Bernini - The Sculptor of the Roman Baroque, Oxford, 1981, p. 211
Exhibition History
Effigies and Ecstasies. Roman Baroque Sculpture, A Design in the Age of Bernini. (National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh 20/11/1998-31/12/2006)
Labels and date
TIME AND DEATH
Italian (Rome); about 1670
Terracotta with traces of gilding
Ascribed to Gianlorenzo Bernini (1598-1680)
This is possibly a sketch model for a wall tomb or for a temporary funeral decoration (or catafalque). Here time, supporting a coffin on his shoulders, is shown lifting the body of the deceased out of the reach of Death, who grabs the shroud. Death’s missing arm seems to have been holding open the lid of a catacomb (or underground burial chamber). Time cheats Death of his prize by making the deceased immortal, either through fame and reputation or through redemption of the soul.
[1993 - 2011]
Subjects depicted
Death; Skull; Skeleton; Time; Coffin
Categories
Ceramics; Sculpture; Death
Collection code
SCP
