The Soldier (The Seven Ages of Man), Act II Sc. VII (As You Like İt)

Description

This engraving references William Shakespeare's famous "The Seven Ages of Man" monologue from his pastoral comedy, As You Like It. Beginning with Shakespeare's words, "All the world's a stage," this passage depicts human life in seven stages from birth to death: infancy, childhood, youth in love, military service, judicial service, old age, and finally, the "second childhood" that comes with infirmity. This engraving allegorically represents the fourth phase of the monologue, "The Soldier-Military Service". In Shakespeare's famous monologue, this phase is depicted as the young man's personality becoming driven by passion, quick to anger, and driven by a quest for honor. In the engraving, an armored soldier, sword drawn, lunges forward like a leopard, displaying his courage and aggression in the midst of battle, with a passion ready to sacrifice his life for glory and honor. The figures surrounding him emphasize both the intensity of the conflict and the dangers and risks inherent in life during this period.