TitleThe Voyage of Life--Manhood
Artist
James David Smillie
(American, 1833 - 1909)
Original artistAfter
Thomas Cole
(American, 1801 - 1848)
Date1855
MediumEngraving
DimensionsSheet size: 19 3/8 × 25 3/8 in.
Plate size: 15 5/16 × 22 11/16 in.
Mat size: 24 × 29 7/8 in.
Credit LineNational Academy of Design, New York, NY
Object number1981.944
Label TextThomas Cole's popular series, "The Voyage of Life" (1839-40), was made available and affordable by the publication of a set of engravings by James David Smillie. The storm in "Manhood" symbolically portrays the dangers and temptations that life presents. The mature voyager has left his guardian angel behind, but now rediscovers his faith in the presence of mortal peril. In his accompanying text for the series, Cole identified the demons circling in the clouds overhead as "Suicide, Intemperance and Murder."
