Trap des ouderdoms 18th century

This allegorical print from an anonymous artist, Monogrammist B.T.F., likely made with engraving, presents the stages of life as a staircase leading to death, a journey traced through meticulously rendered figures against a stark landscape. The composition is structured around a series of platforms, each representing a decade of life, populated by figures whose costumes and activities reflect their age. The trees on either side, one flourishing and one barren, stand in contrast, mirroring the journey from life's promise to its inevitable end. The artist employs a semiotic system, with symbols such as animals, objects, and the very architecture of the staircase, functioning as signs. The climb visualizes the passage of time and the changing roles individuals play throughout their lives, until they reach mortality. The contrast between the light emanating from the angel on the right, and the darkness of the grave on the left, serves as a stark reminder of the transience of human existence. The print functions as a vanitas, inviting viewers to contemplate the ephemeral nature of life.