The Life and Age of Man: Stages of Man's Life from the Cradle to the Grave by Frederick Gleason

Gleason, Frederick · ca 1850

This colored print depicts a male from infancy to old age in decade-long spans, which was a popular and recurring theme of genteel society during the 19th Century. The figures are shown on ascending steps up to age 50 and then descending, with age 100 being the lowest to the right. Each image portrays a well-dressed youth or man in appropriate attire for his position in society (i.e., gentleman, soldier, elder). Verses beneath each figure associate a depicted animal with that stage of life. In the lower center is a small vignette of three men drinking at a table while a young man and women walk away. The devil gestures between the two groups.