Allegory of Time in Honor of a Painter (Claude Lorrain?) 1675 - 1750

Francesco Bartolozzi’s “Allegory of Time in Honor of a Painter (Claude Lorrain?)” is a red chalk drawing depicting an allegorical scene with the figure of Time, represented by a winged man, holding a sundial, looking at a portrait of the painter Claude Lorrain, possibly a self-portrait. The artwork features the traditional themes of the ephemeral nature of time and the lasting impact of art. Bartolozzi’s use of delicate lines and soft shading conveys a sense of both fragility and grandeur, echoing the duality of time’s power. This drawing showcases Bartolozzi’s virtuosity as a draftsman and his ability to capture the essence of classical allegory.