Trap des ouderdoms c. 1782 - 1793

This print, Trap des Ouderdoms or "Stairway of Old Age", was made by the widow Jeronimus Ratelband. It's an etching, created by incising lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and transferring that to paper. The image is a meditation on the stages of life. Look closely, and you'll see the progression of a woman through childhood, adulthood, and old age, ending with death. The use of printmaking allowed for relatively quick production and wide distribution. Prints like this were often sold as inexpensive moral lessons for the home. The simple, clear lines and the addition of some color highlight the key stages and symbols of life's journey. This piece reflects a world where images were not as readily available as today. The labor-intensive etching process contrasts with our digital age of instant replication, reminding us of the value placed on handmade images.