Allegory of the Three Stages of Human Life c. 18th century

Editor: This is "Allegory of the Three Stages of Human Life" by Simon François Ravenet the Elder. It's an etching. There's an interesting contrast between the cherubic infants on the left and the older couple on the right. How do you interpret this juxtaposition? Curator: This image speaks volumes about societal expectations around life stages and the male gaze. The cherubs embody innocence, while the couple, engaged in what seems like a pastoral fantasy, represent maturity. But who defines these stages? Editor: That's a good point. It feels like a very idealized, perhaps patriarchal, view. Curator: Precisely. Consider how the woman is positioned, almost passively listening to the man's flute. What does that say about gender roles in the context of the artwork's creation? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. It definitely adds another layer of meaning. Thanks for the insight.