Five Panels: Allegory of Man and Occupations of the Months, Pierre Courteys, circa 1581

Comparing the cycles of life-the life of an individual man and the cycle of the year for society- was a popular subject for art meant to decorate domestic spaces. Here, in the central roundel the lust of youth is contrasted with the decrepitude of old age. Date: circa 1581. Place of creation: Limoges, France. Dimensions: height: 59 cm (23.2 in); width: 53 cm (20.8 in); Roundel Diam: 21.7 cm (8.5 in). Medium: painted enamel on copper. Collection: Walters Art Museum. Pierre Courteys - Five Panels - Allegory of Man and Occupations of the Months - Walters 44358