Ouderdom 1560

This anonymous drawing, titled “Ouderdom” or “Old Age,” is rendered in pen and brush in blue-gray wash. Its visual codes of aging—the stooped posture, the reliance on attendants, the fireside seat—draw on well-established traditions. In the Netherlands, with its aging population, the burdens of care often fell on family members, especially women. The drawing offers a glimpse into the material culture of the time, with its emphasis on domestic interiors and social class. The hearth fire, the table setting, and the figures' clothing all speak to a certain level of comfort and status. "Ouderdom" invites us to consider the social conditions that shape our understanding of aging, challenging us to examine the politics of imagery and the public role of art in reflecting on the human condition. To fully appreciate the drawing's significance, we need to consult historical documents, such as household inventories, social histories, and records of charitable institutions.