The Justice (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 fifth phase of the monologue, "The Justice-Judicial Service". This stage in an individual's life is the stage in which they achieve social status, prosperity, and authority, while also beginning to express the wisdom they have gained from their life experiences. A figure seated on a throne-like seat at the center of the composition is depicted as a symbol of wisdom, decision-making, and the dispensation of justice. The surrounding kneeling or serving figures emphasize their position of authority, recognized and respected by society. As Shakespeare described, during this period, individuals impart the wisdom they have gained from their experiences in the form of advice and counsel, but they also experience a sense of self-importance that comes with prosperity and power. The engraving visualizes this combination of wisdom, authority, social acceptance, and worldly pleasures attained by a person in middle age.