Dance of the Hours to the Tune of Time - Raphael Morghen

A fine Neoclassical engraving by Raphael Morghen depicting the allegorical dance of the Hours to the music of Time.

This engraving by Raphael Morghen, after a composition by Stefano Tofanelli, depicts the allegorical subject of the Hours dancing to the music of Time. The scene is structured with classical precision, reflecting the aesthetic values of the late eighteenth century. In the centre, a group of female figures, representing the Hours, move in a rhythmic circle. To the right, a winged, elderly figure of Time plays a lyre, while a small putto sits nearby holding an hourglass, a traditional symbol of fleeting existence. To the left, a double-headed herm stands as a silent observer, accompanied by another putto blowing bubbles, which further reinforces the theme of transience.

Above the dancers, the chariot of Apollo traverses the sky, pulled by horses and surrounded by clouds. The composition employs a balanced arrangement, typical of Neoclassical prints, where the figures are rendered with clear, defined contours and a focus on anatomical accuracy. The use of hatching and cross-hatching techniques allows for a subtle range of tonal values, creating depth within the figures and the surrounding environment. The Latin inscription at the base, 'Ludimus interea celeri non ludimur hora', translates to 'We play meanwhile, but we are not played by the swift hour', providing a philosophical frame for the visual narrative.

Morghen was a highly skilled engraver, known for his ability to translate the qualities of paintings into the medium of print. His work often focused on classical themes and historical subjects, demonstrating a high level of technical proficiency. This print captures the grace of the figures and the atmospheric quality of the sky, demonstrating the capacity of the burin to convey texture and light. It is a representative example of the printmaking traditions that flourished in Italy during this period, where the reproduction of classical imagery was a primary pursuit for artists and collectors alike.