Art Institute of Chicago

Manhood, plate three from The Four Ages of Man

Abraham Bosse

Date

1636

Medium

Etching on paper

Culture

France

Department

Prints and Drawings

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Abraham Bosse primarily depicted scenes of 17th-century Parisian society and was considered original and highly influential on French art. A follower of Jacques Callot, Bosse adopted the belief that etchings should imitate engravings, using special techniques allowing him to create swelling lines through the etching ground. No longer depicting the curious boy nor the wanton young man, in Manhood Bosse celebrates the third age of man. In this scene of refined affluence and composure, an established gentleman directs his attention toward the viewer, bidding us to join in a family meal, much to the dismay of the small dog hoping for a few scraps of food.

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