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Abraham Bosse

Youth, from The Four Ages of Man

n.d.
Etching on paper

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Abraham Bosse’s moralizing series, The Four Ages of Man , encompasses the cycle of life: Childhood , Youth , Maturity , and Old Age . In the present etching, two springtime lovers enjoy an intimate garden tête-à-tête before fall and winter inevitably descend. As the decorative framework around the scene demonstrates, Cupid’s arrows have already pierced their hearts.

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