Allegory of Transience 1651 - 1693

"Allegory of Transience" is a 17th-century etching by Johann Franz (der Ältere) Ermels. The artwork depicts a young boy, representing youth, holding a hourglass and standing next to a skull. A skeleton in the background holds an hourglass, reminding viewers that time is fleeting. This intricate engraving, measuring 99mm by 73mm, is a powerful reminder of mortality and the passage of time. The artwork's symbolic elements and detailed composition reflect the Baroque style's penchant for dramatic contrasts and allegorical representations. The use of light and shadow further emphasizes the central theme of transience, contrasting the fleeting nature of life with the enduring presence of death.