De trap des ouderdoms 1761 - 1804

This print, "The Staircase of Old Age" by Erven de Weduwe Jacobus van Egmont, presents human life as a series of ascents and descents. The central motif is the staircase, a symbol deeply rooted in human consciousness, representing the journey through life, here segmented into decades. We see figures ascending, full of vigour, but as they progress, they stoop, falter, and ultimately descend into the grave. The staircase evokes ancient notions of cosmic order, seen in temples and pyramids, mirroring humanity's quest for understanding our place in the universe. The image stirs a melancholic reflection on the fleeting nature of existence, akin to classical memento mori traditions. Consider the figure of death awaiting at the foot of the stairs. Such depictions serve not merely as grim reminders but as invitations to contemplate the deeper rhythms of life, death, and rebirth, echoing in art across centuries. Like a recurring dream, this symbol resurfaces, evolving, reminding us of the cyclical, non-linear nature of existence and our timeless engagement with these fundamental questions.