The Seven Ages of Man c. 1935 - 1943

Donato Rico made this print called "The Seven Ages of Man," and the cool thing is how the black and white creates such stark contrasts. It's like he's carving out these moments, one by one. I get a real sense of process from this piece, like Rico was thinking through each stage of life as he worked. The texture has this amazing feel, the way the light seems to radiate from the figure in the center. Check out the way the lines are carved around the central figure. It's like a halo, but also like the figure is pushing through, emerging from the darkness. It gives the image a lot of power. It reminds me a bit of Käthe Kollwitz, but with a different kind of intensity. Both were great printmakers. Ultimately, this image is all about the journey, the constant push and pull of life and death, darkness and light.