Design: Ages, from Encyclopédie 1762 - 1777

This print by French artist Benoit Louis Prevost (1747-1804) depicts four heads from different ages, as part of an illustration from the Encyclopédie, a massive project on the arts and sciences published in France in the 18th century. The engraving depicts the progression of age from youth to old age, from left to right, demonstrating the artist’s interest in capturing the subtle nuances of human features at different life stages. The detailed pen and ink rendering highlights the fine lines and wrinkles that appear on the faces with age. The print showcases the importance of observational drawing and its role in understanding anatomy and human expression, which was crucial for the Encyclopédie’s mission to disseminate knowledge and promote scientific thinking.