Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill
Late 18th‑Century English Antique Folk-Art Painted Door Panel Depicting Father Time, Inscribed Tempus Fugit
Late 18th‑Century English Antique Folk-Art Painted Door Panel Depicting Father Time, Inscribed Tempus Fugit
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A late 18th‑century painted wooden door panel, centred with a striking allegorical depiction of Father Time, framed within its original moulded surround and fitted with a hanging hook. The panel bears the Latin inscription TEMPUS above and FUGIT below — the timeless reminder that time flies.
The figure of Father Time is shown full‑length, rendered with expressive, almost theatrical detail. He appears as an elderly, bearded man with flowing white hair, dressed in a dark robe. He holds a scythe in one hand — the traditional emblem of mortality — while the other rests upon an hourglass, the classic symbol of passing time. Behind him, a moody seascape and clouded sky heighten the sense of drama and transience. His wings, painted in soft tones, reinforce his mythic, celestial nature.
A wonderfully evocative decorative piece with strong symbolic resonance, ideal for period interiors, collectors of allegorical art, or those drawn to the philosophical charm of memento mori.
Provenance: England. Late 18th century. Ex-private collection, Norfolk, England.
Material: Painted wood panel.
Condition: Wear consistent with age, with surface craquelure and expected patina to the painted finish. There are losses to the outer-edges. Structurally sound and ready to hang.
Dimensions: H x W x D
This is a richly symbolic and atmospheric panel — a reminder of time’s swift passage, beautifully captured in late Georgian paintwork.
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1. LAPADA (London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association) – LAPADA is the UK’s largest trade association for professional art & antique dealers (representing approximately 500 UK dealer members). All items are backed by our LAPADA guarantee;
2. CINOA –Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d'Art, (or International Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' Associations) is the world association of art & antique dealer associations (representing 5000 dealers from 32 associations in 22 countries);
3. The Norfolk & Suffolk Antique Dealers Association - Representing reputable, high quality antiques dealers based in Norfolk and Suffolk; and
4. FSB - Federation of Small Business.
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