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The Four Times of Day: Midday

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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This is the second painting in Lancret’s series The Four Times of Day. A sculpted cherub (Love) sits on top of a sundial, the shadow of which points to the Roman numerals for 12 inscribed into the stone. The man and two women note the moment on the sundial, and one of the ladies holds her pocket watch to check it against the solar time. The man also appears to be holding a watch in his right hand. Two of the ladies flutter their fans against the heat of the middle of the day. The lady holding the basket of flowers looks away from the sundial, perhaps symbolising the brevity of life, as she offers a sprig to the beauty reclining on the ground.

The painting was etched and engraved in reverse by Nicolas de Larmessin III as part of the series The Four Hours of Day, completed by February 1741.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

The Four Times of Day: Midday

Date

1739-41

Medium

Oil on copper

Measurements

H 28.6 x W 36.9 cm

Accession number

NG5868

Acquisition method

Bequeathed by Sir Bernard Eckstein, 1948

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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