Genius of Time (from the Tarocchi, series B: Cosmic Principles & Virtues, #32)

This engraving is part of the group marked with the letter “B,” and named <em>Cosmic Principles and the Virtues</em>, which comprises the three Universal principles or <em>Genii </em>(Light, Time, and Space) alongside the four cardinal virtues (Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude, and Justice) and the three theological ones (Faith, Hope, and Charity). The three allegorical figures of the <em>Genii </em>open group B and appear to be an artistic invention of the author of the Tarocchi series.<br><br>Here, <em>Chronico </em>(Genius of Time) is personified as a full-length winged male youth in profile, turned to left. Behind him is a forest. In his right hand, <em>Chronico </em>holds up a dragon biting its own tail, an emblem of for “all-devouring Time.”