Northern School, second half of the 16th Century

The iconography of this work derives from a classical text, traditionally attributed to Cebes of Thebes, which takes the form of an ekphrasis describing the stages of human life, including the dangers and temptations to be met on the way, which threaten to divert human beings from a life founded on piety and study.

The text was very popular in the sixteenth century and was used for the edification of young adolescents. Aside from the book itself, the iconography was also disseminated through prints: many engraved interpretations of the theme are known and it is probable that the present painting is derived from one of these.

Most of these representations – as is the case here – are based on a relatively similar compositional arrangement: a landscape divided into three concentric walled enclosures, each of which is accessible through a single door, populated by individuals seeking understanding and self-knowledge. The central space, the supreme objective, symbolizes moral purity and wisdom gained.

Almost all the allegorical figures in the present version are accompanied by their description in gold letters, enabling the viewer to follow the path of the just souls through the pitfalls and supports leading to the rotunda temple in the upper part, where they will be crowned by Felicita, or happiness.

The first edition of the text translated into French by Geoffroy Tory was published in 1529 with the title La table du philosophe Cébès, natif de Thèbes et auditeur d'Aristote, en laquelle est descrite et paincte la voye de l'home humain tendant à vertus et parfaicte science (The table of the philosopher Cebes, a native of Thebes and auditor of Aristotle, in which is described and painted the path of the human being towards virtue and perfect knowledge).

While the allegory was a favourite subject for northern artists (many Italian examples are also known), it is probable that the present canvas was painted by a French artist around the 1560s, or by a northern artist active in France during the same period, as is suggested by some of the clothing worn by several of the figures.