Ruit Hora (Fleeting Time) 1893

Luigi Conconi crafted this print, titled Ruit Hora, using etching. The image presents a skull superimposed over a clock face, framed by celestial symbols. The skull, a memento mori, reminds us of our mortality, while the clock underscores the relentless passage of time. Consider how the skull, a universal symbol of death, appears across cultures and epochs. From ancient Roman mosaics to Renaissance paintings, its stark presence evokes contemplation of life's transience. Even in contemporary art, the skull persists, often recontextualized to challenge our perceptions of mortality. The emotional power of this image lies in its stark confrontation with our mortality, triggering deep, subconscious anxieties about time and existence. This visual language transcends time, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, echoing through the ages.