The ages of women 1594 - 1678

Salomon Savery created this engraving, “The Ages of Women”, in the Netherlands, sometime in the 17th century. Here, ten women are depicted on the steps of a staircase. Each represents a decade of life, starting with infancy at the bottom left and progressing to old age, with death at the bottom right. This image creates meaning through its use of visual codes and cultural references. The staircase, for instance, implies a social hierarchy, while the depiction of women in different stages of life reflects the era's social expectations of women and their roles in society. The image comments on the social structures of its time, particularly regarding the role of women in society and the inevitability of aging and death. The inclusion of religious imagery also suggests a commentary on the prevailing religious beliefs and attitudes towards mortality in 17th-century Dutch culture. To understand this artwork better, you can consult resources such as historical records, social commentaries, and art historical analyses. By researching the social and institutional context, we can uncover the deeper meanings embedded within the artwork.