Eternal calender – Antoine Phelippeaux, ca. 1813

ETERNAL CALENDAR – ETERNAL LOVE

“Calendrier Perpétuel”, etching with aquatint, fitted with 3 ‘volvelles‘ (paper wheels), made around 1813 by Antoine Phelippeaux (1767–1830). Coloured by a later hand. Size approx. 18 × 24 cm.

By turning the volvelles on the reverse, the years (1813 to 1820) can be set, as well as the day of the month. Turning the zodiac signs allows one to calculate the length of day and night, as well as the hour of sunrise and sunset.

In the upper scene Pegasus has descended to earth. According to legend, wherever the white winged horse sets down its hooves, a spring of inspiration bursts forth.

On the boat at left, Chronos (Father Time) rows Amor forward: “Le Tem(p)s fait passer l’Amour” [time makes love fade away]. On the right, however, Amor propels the boat with Chronos, who carries a scythe: “L’Amour fait passer le Tem(p)s” (love makes time pass), until death parts us.

The lower scene is a copy of a fresco by Guido Reni from 1614. We see the blond god Apollo in his chariot at sunrise, preceded by Phosphorus (the Morning Star) and Aurora (goddess of the dawn) in a flowing golden dress above a dusky landscape. She brings flowers, the morning glow, down to earth. Around the chariot dance elegant female figures, known as the Horae (the Hours). They embody the passage of time, while their diaphanous draperies are gently blown by the wind.

“L’Aurore aux Cheveux de Rose. Chasse les ténèbres, ouvres les portes du Ciel; et le Soleil, dont la lumière se répand partout dissipe les Astres.” [Aurora with rosy locks drives away the darkness, opens the gates of Heaven; and the Sun, whose light spreads everywhere, scatters the stars.]

Price: SOLD