Trap des Ouderdoms met boeren en boerinnen c. 1623 - 1652

"Trap des Ouderdoms met boeren en boerinnen" (Stairway of Old Age with Peasants) is a drawing by Pieter Nolpe, created around 1623-1652 and currently housed at the Rijksmuseum. The drawing depicts a complex scene with a group of older peasants ascending a stairway, symbolizing the passage of time and the journey toward old age. The detailed and intricate composition, typical of Dutch drawings of the period, portrays a variety of characters engaged in everyday activities, highlighting the realities of life and mortality. The use of hatching and shading creates a sense of depth and texture, adding to the realism of the depiction. The drawing is a captivating example of Nolpe's skill as a draftsman, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of human experience through the medium of pen and ink.