Design for Ceiling; Apollo and the Hours 1760 - 1807

Angelica Kauffmann created this design for a ceiling featuring Apollo and the Hours. Encircling the god of light and music, the Hours represent the cyclical passage of time and the seasons. They are depicted hand in hand, eternally suspended, and dancing in the heavenly sphere. The motif of the Horae can be traced back to ancient Greece, where they were goddesses associated with the rhythms of nature and the order of the cosmos. The symbol of the circle that encloses them has appeared across diverse cultures and epochs as a potent symbol of totality, eternity, and the cycles of life. It is a reminder of the interconnectedness and continuity that resonates deeply within our collective unconscious. Observe how this symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings throughout history.