Shakespeare's Seven Ages (of Man) (Furnishing Fabric) c. 1805

This furnishing fabric, created by Robert Smirke, presents Shakespeare’s vision of the seven ages of man. Each stage is filled with its own iconography, reflecting the Bard’s profound understanding of the human condition. The stages of life, displayed as scenes, remind us of similar cyclical depictions found in ancient Roman mosaics and medieval tapestries. Here, the soldier, ‘full of strange oaths,’ echoes the bellicose Mars, ever ready for conflict. Yet, unlike Mars' eternal youth, our soldier is bound by time, his vigor fleeting. Consider the melancholy lover, with a woeful ballad. This figure resonates with the archetype of the lovesick fool, a character that appears time and again, his lovesickness a mix of comedy and tragedy. Each stage captures a specific moment, filled with a certain emotion, that engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The wheel of life turns, from infant to old age. It’s a recurring motif, isn’t it? A testament to humanity's enduring attempt to grasp our transient existence, forever resurfacing in art, literature, and our collective psyche.