Genius of Time (from the Tarocchi, series B: Cosmic Principles & Virtues, #32) Italy, Ferrara, 15th century

Genius of Time (from the Tarocchi, series B: Cosmic Principles & Virtues, #32)

before 1467

Master of the E-Series Tarocchi

(Italian, 15th century)

Italy, Ferrara, 15th century

engraving

Dudley P. Allen Fund 1924.432.32

Catalogue raisonné: Hind E.I.32a

Location: not on view

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Description

This engraving is part of the group marked with the letter “B,” and named Cosmic Principles and the Virtues, which comprises the three Universal principles or Genii (Light, Time, and Space) alongside the four cardinal virtues (Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude, and Justice) and the three theological ones (Faith, Hope, and Charity). The three allegorical figures of the Genii open group B and appear to be an artistic invention of the author of the Tarocchi series.

Here, Chronico (Genius of Time) is personified as a full-length winged male youth in profile, turned to left. Behind him is a forest. In his right hand, Chronico holds up a dragon biting its own tail, an emblem of for “all-devouring Time.”