Ruyne

Hollstein, F.W.H. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings, and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700: vol. XLVIII, p. 88, no. 441
Alvin, L. Catalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre des trois frères, Jean, Jérôme & Antoine Wierix: p. 298, no. 1498
Folger bibliographic ID: 255462
Folger call number: Use item's call number to search Digital Image Collection (direct link to come)
Folger holdings ID: 336679

The sixth age, from 80 years to death. A very old man sits slumped in a chair in the center of the image. The chair is inside a crumbling arched structure atop which sits a bearded, winged man holding an hourglass and a scythe. A skeleton holding the same items stands on the ground below. Detritus of ruined buildings, broken columns and other symbols of civilization (a book, a crown, a bishop's mitre, weapons and pieces of armor) are scattered about on the ground. In the background a person is escaping a huge fire

General notes

One in a set of engravings representing the ages of man through the six orders of a classical column Hollstein attributes engravings in this set to Jeronimus Wierix, Alvin attributes it to Jeronimus' brother, Jan Wierix. Signature "I.H.W." on this print suggests that it was done by Jan Wierix Also available as a digital reproduction

Exhibited

Washington, D.C., Folger Shakespeare Library, 1986-1987. Time, the greatest innovator (catalog p. 90)

Extended title: Ruyne I.H.W
Alternate titles: Theatrum vitae humanae, Life of man, Rvyne

Life cycle Columns Death Ruins Time

artist: Vredeman de Vries, Hans, 1527-approximately 1604
printmaker: Wierix, Jan, 1549-approximately 1620
printmaker: Wierix, Jeronimus, 1553-1619
publisher: Baltens, Peeter, 1527-1584