Truth, Time and History

Truth, Time and History () is an oil on canvas painting by the Spanish artist Francisco de Goya from 1804–1808. It is exhibited at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm. 
It is an allegory based on Cesare Ripas "Iconologia" from 1593. It depicts "History" witness when "Time" reveals the "Truth". History is symbolised by a woman and Time by an elderly winged man that is holding an hourglass. History records the event in her book, while looking over her shoulder in order to acknowledge the past. The standing woman, that holds a book, represents Spain as well as Truth. It could be an allegory of the Spanish Constitution, adopted in 1812 during Spain's liberation from Napoleonic rule, and the twofold symbolism is designed to underscore the legitimacy of the new constitution.
Goya made a rough sketch between 1797–1799, or possibly in 1804. In this version the winged Time reveals a naked Truth while threatening bats and owls lurk above them. The sketch is in the collection of Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.