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Fable / Old Man & Death
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Fable / Old Man & Death
THE OLD MAN & DEATH An old man, exhausted gathering sticks, calls for Death to take him; immediately Death appears, and the man regrets what he wished for
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Media ID 4372765
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10164289
1761 Aesop Appears Calls Dodsley Exhausted Fable Fables Gathering Immediately Personified Regrets Scythe Skeleton Sticks Wished Myth
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this hauntingly beautiful image from the 18th century, the figure of Death, personified as a skeletal being with a scythe, looms over an old man as he exhaustedly gathers sticks in a woodland scene. The old man, with a weary expression on his face, calls out for Death to take him, perhaps feeling that his time has come or that he can no longer endure the hardships of life. In an instant, Death appears, and the old man, filled with regret, realizes the consequences of his wish. This poignant scene is taken from the classic fable "The Old Man and Death," which has been told and retold for centuries in various forms. The earliest known written version of this fable was published in John Dodsley's "Aesop's Fables" in 1761. The fable serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of being content with what we have, rather than longing for the end. The historical context of this image adds an extra layer of depth to the story. The 18th century was a time of great change and upheaval, with the Enlightenment bringing new ideas and ways of thinking, and the Industrial Revolution transforming the way people lived and worked. This image may reflect the anxieties and uncertainties of the time, as well as the universal human experience of facing the inevitability of death. Despite the somber subject matter, there is a certain beauty and serenity in this image, with the soft lighting and peaceful setting. The old man's simple task of gathering sticks, and the gentle touch of Death's hand on his shoulder, suggest a sense of acceptance and even peacefulness in the face of the end. This image invites us to reflect on our own mortality and the meaning of our lives, and to cherish the time we have while we have it.
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