Trap des Levens 1637 - 1648

"Trap des Levens" (The Stairway of Life) is a 17th-century etching by Jan Barentsz. Muyckens, created between 1637 and 1648. This allegorical print depicts the stages of life, with figures ascending a stairway towards heaven, while others descend towards death. The composition includes a central coat of arms with cherubs, symbolic of innocence, and figures representing different ages, from childhood to old age. Muyckens's detailed etching style highlights the stark contrast between the hopeful ascent and the inevitable decline. The print is a powerful reminder of life's fleeting nature, offering a visual meditation on mortality and the passage of time.