Thomas Cole. 1801-1848.

The Voyage of Life: Old Age. c. 1860. Engraving. Image: 15 x 22 3/4; sheet 21 3/16 x 28 3/8. 'From the Original Painting by Thomas Cole in the possession of Rev^d. Gorham D. Abbott, Spingler Institute, New York.' Printed by J.H. Daniels, Boston; published by James H.Earle, 10 Hawley Street, Boston. Printed on warm white wove paper. Excellent condition. Signed in the plate. $5,000 the set of 4.

Fully lettered proof with the complete text and the lines from the poem by J.H. Daniels:
"While through this changing world we roam,
From Infancy to Age.
Heaven is the christian Pilgrim's home,
His rest at every Stage.
A beam from Heaven is sent to cheer
The christian on his road.
And angels are attending near,
To bear him home to GOD."

"The world recedes, it disappears!
Heaven opens on my syes! my ears
With sounds seraphic ring!
Lend, lend your wings! I mount, I fly!
O Grave, where is thy victory?"
O Death, where is thy sting?"

In the final scene, Old Age, the Voyager has navigated the Stream of Life, which has emptied into a tranquil but dark and lonely sea, lined with jagged rocks and cliffs. The boat, damaged from life's storms, reveals that time is nearly at an end for the Voyager. Only now is the Spirit Guide revealed to him, guiding him toward his final destination. Old and gray, the passenger assumes a pious pose and readies himself for his inevitable fate. A shaft of light parts the clouds, and angels descend to usher the Voyager to another life.

Cole.

American Fine Prints.

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