Time Passing Annette De Langston

The composition presents a striking juxtaposition of human presence and temporal measurement. Here we observe two figures, rendered in profile, positioned on either side of a large clock face dominating the central space. The background is a textured field of ochre and gold tones, suggesting an aged or weathered surface, perhaps hinting at antiquity or the passage of years itself.

The figures are depicted with elaborate headdresses, indicative of royalty or high status. Their expressions are serene, almost detached, their gazes directed towards an unseen point beyond the frame. The artist has employed a limited palette, primarily focusing on earth tones and gold leaf, which contributes to a sense of solemnity and timelessness.

The clock itself is rendered with meticulous detail; its Roman numerals and hands clearly visible. The time displayed appears to be approximately quarter past three, an arbitrary moment frozen in perpetuity. This central placement of the timepiece immediately establishes the theme of temporality as a primary concern within the work.

Subtly, the figures seem to exist outside of the clock’s dominion. They are not reacting to its presence; they simply are, alongside it. This creates an intriguing tension between human existence and the relentless march of time. The gold leaf applied across the surface reinforces this sense of permanence, contrasting with the fleeting nature of moments measured by the clock.

The work seems to explore themes of mortality, legacy, and the enduring quality of human presence against the backdrop of inevitable change. It invites contemplation on how we perceive and experience time, and the ways in which we attempt to leave a mark upon it. The deliberate lack of narrative context allows for multiple interpretations; the figures could represent historical rulers, symbolic archetypes, or simply individuals contemplating their place within the grand scheme of existence.