When I saw this over the weekend, I really, really wanted it. But, I couldn’t cover the price. *pout* I’ve wanted to have my own copy
This hand-colored lithograph may be attributable to Kelloggs & Comstock. I say may because there are several similar image that each attributed to a different person or persons between 1848 and 1850. (See below for some variations.) Moving up and down the stairs we see a woman at at each stage of her life. At the left and right we see trees symbolizing youthful vitality and motherly caring. Beneath the women are miniature illustrations of that stage in life.
In the very center of the stairs is the burial plot. Along the bottom we read of each stage of life:
This is a different version attributed to Nathaniel Currier and James Merritt Ives, ca 1848-50. Here is yet another variation attributed to James Baille, ca 1848. This site provides a nice zoom tool for seeing Baille’s version. This version at Harvard, is one I would really like because the top figure is wearing a shawl. Yes, I have an obsession.
A similar look at the life of man was also created as well as a temperance look at alcohol.
Oh! I have wanted a print of this for ever so long! I just love the set of the man and the woman.
I wish I had seen them while I was still in college. I would have loved to do a sociological analysis of them for my thesis.
I got a poster with a similar version at Historic Deerfield some time ago. I have it framed in my guest room. Love it!