This is probably the 'Quatre ages de l'homme' by Valentin mentioned in the inventory of Michel Particelli, Seigneur d'Hémery, Paris, 1650. The picture was certainly in the celebrated collection of the Dukes of Orléans during most of the 18th century. Infancy (centre foreground) holds an empty bird trap, perhaps symbolising hope; Youth (left) plays a lute, probably symbolising amorous desire; Manhood (right), in armour, wears a victor's laurel wreath and holds a plan of fortifications; Age (centre background) is associated with a pile of coins, symbol of avarice. The glass he holds may be symbolic of the fragility of life.
Le Valentin (1591 – 1632) is reasonably identified as the son of a Valentin de Boulongne of Coulommiers-en-Brie. He was in Rome by 1620; he was influenced by Manfredi and Caravagggio. Most of the attributions to him are traditional, but stylistically coherent and convincing. His 'Martyrdom of Saints Processus and Martinian' (Vatican, Rome) is documented as of 1629-30. He died in Rome in 1632.
[Oil on canvas, 96.5 x 134 cm]
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