--- _**The Voyage of Life**_ is a series of four paintings created by the American artist [[Thomas Cole]] in 1840 The paintings, _**Childhood**_, _**Youth**_, _**Manhood**_, and _**Old Age**_, depict a voyager who travels in a boat on the River of Life, accompanied by a [guardian angel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guardian_angel "Guardian angel"). The landscapes in each instillment, are reflections of the four [seasons of the year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Season "Season"), with the boat's direction of travel reversed from the previous. --- In **[[Genisis - Φῶς Πρώτον - בְּרֵאשִׁית|Childhood]]**, the infant glides from a dark cave into a rich, green landscape. ![[Thomas_Cole_-_The_Voyage_of_Life_Childhood,_1842_(National_Gallery_of_Art).jpg]] In **[[Exodus – Φῶς Δεύτερον – שְׁמוֹת|Youth]]**, the boy takes control of the boat and aims for a shining castle in the sky. ![[Thomas_Cole_-_The_Ages_of_Life_-_Youth_-_WGA05140.jpg]] In **Manhood**, the adult relies on prayer and religious faith to sustain him through rough waters and a threatening landscape. ![[Thomas_Cole,_The_Voyage_of_Life,_1842,_National_Gallery_of_Art.jpg]] In **Old Age**, finally the man allows his angel to guide him across the waters of [eternity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternity "Eternity"). ![[Thomas_Cole_-_The_Voyage_of_Life_Old_Age,_1842_(National_Gallery_of_Art).jpg]] ---