Three heads of men of differing age 1493 - 1516

This is an anonymous drawing of three men's heads of differing ages, at Statens Museum for Kunst. The artwork presents us with a powerful reflection on the passage of time and the universal human experience of aging. Without a known author, it's tempting to view this drawing through the lens of collective memory, considering how societies have historically perceived and represented men across various stages of life. The rendering of youth, maturity, and old age prompts questions about the values and expectations imposed on men in different eras. The choice to depict the male form in such stark terms encourages us to reflect on our own journeys. It is a poignant reminder of the shared human experience of growth, change, and eventual decline.