Titian (Tiziano Vecellio)
 about 1485/90 – 1576)

Italian

The Three Ages of Man about 1512-14

Oil on canvas

This depicts the transient nature of human
life and love through the allegorical theme
of the Three Ages of Man. In an idyllic
pastoral landscape, two sleeping babies,
innocent of the affairs of the heart, are
trampled on by the mischievous winged
Cupid, god of love. The young lovers stare
ardently into one another's eyes, while the
old man behind contemplates two skulls.
This note of melancholy is softened by the
inclusion of a church behind, with its
promise of salvation.

Bridgewater Loan 1945