Frontispiece to Truth Brought to Light by Time

John Droeshout

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an allegorical scene representing the concept of truth being uncovered. The central figures include a partially draped female figure pulling back a curtain, and a male figure with a radiant symbol on his chest holding a scythe. Both seem to symbolize the personifications of time and truth. Between them stands a seated regal figure beneath a canopied throne. Below this scene unfolds a narrative in smaller scenes featuring scholarly individuals engaged in study and writing, stacks of books, and scrolls suggesting the gathering and dissemination of knowledge. On the right side, the centerpiece is a tree with books and rolled parchments hanging from the branches. The artwork is ornately lined and illustratively engraved, revealing a rich tapestry of symbolism pertaining to enlightenment and historical integrity.