LIEVENS, Jan
(b. 1607, Leiden, d. 1674, Amsterdam)

The Four Elements and Ages of Man: Water and Old Age

c. 1668
Oil on oak, 84 x 59 cm
Staatliche Museen, Kassel

This painting is part of a series of four representing the personification of the four elements and the four ages of man. The fourth painting of the series combines water with old age. Old Age is depicted as a fishmonger with pail and fish-tube.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 28 minutes):
George Frideric Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 1