This is an amazing series of 4 French woodcuts circa 1580-1620, that show the Ages of Woman.
Useless to say, this set is so ancient, it is a once in a lifetime find!
There is age 20, 30, 40 and 50. (notice that the writing of the word "Age" is not yet stable at the time, and spells with 2 "a")
Each scene is absolutely whimsical!
All engravings have incredible poetry, and even humor in them, especially the bird, a peacock, which goes through hilarious transformations.
The women are also lovely.
The youngest, at 20 is into music, just like today!
The woman of 30 is having babies.
the woman of 40 is a well dressed city woman.
Really funny! the woman of 50, who has lost interest in love and her power of seduction (symbolically shown with a broken Cupid's bow and arrow) is now mostly thinking about money, and storing it in a small casket.
The pieces were taken from the original book, and applied on larger pages later in history, I would say in the mid 19th Century.
An incredible set, genuine and fresh, and so easy to relate to, even 400 years later!
(More pictures available)
MEASUREMENTS: Page Length: 8". Width: 5 3/4". ( 20.2 cm) by (14.5 cm)
Image Length: 3 1/2". Width: 2 3/4". ( 9 cm) by (7 cm)
CONDITION: In very good condition with no damage and hardly any foxing in the prints.
Will be shipped "Expedited" from Paris, including insurance and signature at delivery.
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Item ID: 3340pnt