Trap des ouderdoms 1848 - 1881

“Trap des ouderdoms”, a satirical print by Lutkie & Cranenburg from 1848 to 1881, depicts the stages of life from birth to death as a symbolic staircase. The print presents a series of figures, from a baby in a cradle to an elderly man on his deathbed, each standing on a platform with a corresponding age marked on it. This print, currently held by the Rijksmuseum, was likely a popular genre of artwork during the time period and is an example of a social commentary on aging and mortality. The title translates to “The Stairs of Old Age”.