“Time Arrested by Death” is a Baroque sculpture by the renowned artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This artwork exemplifies the Baroque movement’s emphasis on dynamic movement, dramatic expression, and intricate detail.
In the artwork, the figure of Time is depicted with wings and a muscular physique, poised and strong, symbolizing the unstoppable nature of time. He is shown attempting to rise or move forward but is impeded by the skeletal figure of Death, who clutches at his leg and gazes upwards with a grim resolve. The drapery of their garments is rendered with fluidity and precision, reflecting the typical Baroque interest in creating lifelike textures and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. The expression of struggle and the poignant encounter between Time and Death evoke a profound contemplation on the inevitability of mortality and the human condition. The polished forms and detailed execution showcase Bernini’s masterful ability to infuse marble with a sense of vitality and movement.
