Vadertje Tijd met zeis staat bij fragmenten van Romeinse beelden 1648 - 1679

This print, made by Cornelis van Dalen II around the mid-17th century, depicts Father Time with his scythe amidst fragments of Roman sculptures. It reflects the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with classical antiquity and its themes of transience. Van Dalen's work intersects ideas about time, mortality, and the cultural legacy of the Roman Empire. The broken sculptures symbolize the decay of civilizations, prompting reflections on power, loss, and the passage of time. This was a period of intense cultural exchange and appropriation, yet it’s important to consider how the Dutch engagement with Roman antiquity served the cultural and political ambitions of the Netherlands. The emotional resonance of this piece lies in its melancholic contemplation of time's relentless march and the fragility of human achievements. While embracing classical motifs, van Dalen also offers a commentary on cultural identity and historical memory.