Jeugd en Ouderdom / Venetië zittend op een globe 1682

Valentin Lefebvre made this print, "Youth and Old Age / Venice Sitting on a Globe" in the 17th century. It reflects a fascination with allegory and symbolism that was characteristic of European art at the time. Made in Italy, this print references Venice. We see Venice personified as a woman, seated upon a lion, a traditional symbol of the city. Juxtaposed with this image of youthful power is the depiction of an old man, representing the inevitable decline that comes with age. The print may be interpreted as a commentary on the transience of earthly power and beauty, themes that resonated with the cultural anxieties of the Baroque period. It also reflects a society that often saw a strong divide between the old and young. Art historians consult a variety of resources, including period literature, political documents, and economic data to better understand the meanings and assumptions that inform works like this. By examining this print through a socio-historical lens, we can gain insight into the complex interplay between art, culture, and power in 17th-century Venice.