The Three Ages of Humans

Dosso Dossi (Giovanni de Lutero)

Created:
Movement:
1542
Renaissance
key Notes:
Allegorical Representation, Renaissance Symbolism
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Dimensions:
30 1/2 x 44 in. (77.5 x 111.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"The Three Ages of Humans" is a painting attributed to the Italian Renaissance artist Dosso Dossi, also known as Giovanni de Lutero. The exact date of its creation is unknown, but it is believed to have been painted in the early 16th century. The work depicts three figures representing the stages of human life: youth, adulthood, and old age. The composition is characterized by its vibrant colors and intricate details, typical of Dossi's style. The painting is thought to explore themes of time, mortality, and the human condition. Dosso Dossi was active in Ferrara, where he was influenced by the court's artistic environment. The painting is currently housed in a private collection, and its provenance prior to this is not well-documented.

Description of the work:

"The Three Ages of Humans" by Dosso Dossi is an oil on canvas painting that visually represents the stages of human life: youth, adulthood, and old age. The composition is divided into three distinct sections, each characterized by figures that embody the respective age. The youthful figure is depicted with vibrant colors and dynamic poses, suggesting vitality and energy. The adult figure is rendered with a more subdued palette, reflecting maturity and contemplation. The elderly figure is portrayed with a somber tone, emphasizing wisdom and the passage of time. The background features a landscape that transitions from lush greenery to barren terrain, symbolizing the cycle of life. Dossi's use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures, creating a sense of depth and realism. The overall arrangement invites viewers to reflect on the continuum of human existence.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Three Ages of Humans