The Voyage of Life: Manhood
1842 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This is the third painting in the four-part allegorical series 'The Voyage of Life', commissioned by Samuel Ward. The painting depicts a man in a boat navigating turbulent, rocky waters as he approaches a distant, storm-darkened horizon.
Did you know?
Thomas Cole created this series to symbolize the four stages of human life, with 'Manhood' representing the tumultuous trials and responsibilities of the middle years. In this scene, the navigator has abandoned his oars and looks toward the heavens, suggesting that during our most challenging life crises, we must rely on divine faith to guide us through the dangerous waters. Interestingly, Cole was one of the first American artists to successfully market a series of paintings as a grand narrative cycle, inspired by the Hudson River School's love for dramatic natural scenery.
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The Voyage of Life: Manhood
Thomas Cole, 1842
