Meridies (Noon) c. 1640

"Meridies (Noon)" is a 17th century etching by Charles Le Brun depicting the Roman god of noon, Meridies, a hybrid creature with a human body and the legs of a goat. The print features Meridies holding a naked child, symbolizing the sun's heat and power at midday. A female figure behind him holding an arrow is likely Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt and the moon, representing the transition to the cooler afternoon. The image is a striking example of Le Brun's mastery of Baroque style, characterized by strong contrasts, dramatic lighting, and a dynamic composition.