De Tijd bijt in een antiek beeld, titelblad

In this captivating artwork by Cornelis Pronk, titled "De Tijd bijt in een antiek beeld," we observe an allegorical exploration of time's relentless nature. Pencil-drawn and rich in detail, Pronk captures a scene filled with both classical beauty and symbolic influence. Central to the image is the personification of Time, represented as a nude, muscular male figure wielding a scythe—a traditional emblem of time's irreversible passage.The dramatic scene unfolds as Time bites into a piece of an antique statue, illustrating the destructive power that time wields over all things, including art and beauty. Surrounding this focal action are cherubs and other classical statuary, contributing to the theme of erosion and the inevitability of decline. The overall composition, with its architectural elements and relics, invokes a classical setting often associated with the impermanence of human endeavors.Pronk's artistic skill shines through in the intricate linework and careful use of shadows, which adds a tactile depth to each figure, making the static scene vibrantly alive. The background, subtly detailed, hints at a timeless architectural space, further emphasizing the theme of antiquity meeting the relentless forward march of time.This piece serves as a potent meditation on the themes of decay, the continuous tick of existence, and the artistic struggle against the erosion of time.