The Seven Ages of Man- Second Childishness, ‘As You Like It,’ II, vii 1798 - 1801

Robert Smirke painted ‘The Seven Ages of Man- Second Childishness’ using traditional oil paints. This work belongs to a larger series exploring themes of human existence, drawing inspiration from Shakespeare. Smirke’s painting depicts a scene of domesticity and decline. The oil paint gives it a tactile quality, allowing the textures of skin, fabric, and wood to come alive. The artist pays attention to the weight of each material, from the heavy stillness of the sleeping figures, to the sharp edges of the boy’s toys. Such paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries would have been made for wealthy patrons, reflecting a time of increasing industrialization. They evoke the skills of craftsmanship and artistry while portraying scenes of everyday life. The amount of work involved in producing these paintings, from grinding pigments to layering glazes, speaks to the value placed on skilled labour. Looking at the artwork through the lens of materials and making invites us to reconsider its social and cultural significance, moving beyond traditional art-historical interpretations.