Description
This c1855 engraving, The Voyage of Life: Youth, was painted by Thomas S. Cole, engraved by James Smillie, and published by James H. Earle of Boston. Part of Cole's iconic four-part allegorical series, it depicts a young man steering his boat toward a distant shining castle, having left his angelic guide on shore as he takes control of his own destiny. With lush summer foliage and symbolic light, the scene reflects both the promise and peril of youthful ambition. Widely distributed through engravings, the series became a celebrated American masterpiece found in major museums across the country.
Frame: 27.75in tall; 33.5in wide; 1.25in deep. // Engraving: 20in tall; 26in wide.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Your happiness with this item is of the utmost importance to us so please review the photographs carefully for condition. We endeavor to try and list any issues we may observe; we may not necessarily note all minor nicks and dings or we may simply miss something. Please inspect carefully to ensure your full happiness with this item. For this particular piece we found minor wear consistent with age and prior use, including sun fading to writing at base, minor foxing, water stains to bottom right corner, and minor dings and stress cracks to frame.
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Engraving
Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United States
Art Subjects: Landscape, Mythology
Frame Type: Framed
Frame: 27.75in tall; 33.5in wide; 1.25in deep. // Engraving: 20in tall; 26in wide.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Your happiness with this item is of the utmost importance to us so please review the photographs carefully for condition. We endeavor to try and list any issues we may observe; we may not necessarily note all minor nicks and dings or we may simply miss something. Please inspect carefully to ensure your full happiness with this item. For this particular piece we found minor wear consistent with age and prior use, including sun fading to writing at base, minor foxing, water stains to bottom right corner, and minor dings and stress cracks to frame.
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Engraving
Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United States
Art Subjects: Landscape, Mythology
Frame Type: Framed
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Your happiness with this item is of the utmost importance to us so please review the photographs carefully for condition. We endeavor to try and list any issues we may observe; we may not necessarily note all minor nicks and dings or we may simply miss something. Please inspect carefully to ensure your full happiness with this item. For this particular piece we found minor wear consistent with age and prior use, including sun fading to writing at base, minor foxing, water stains to bottom right corner, and minor dings and stress cracks to frame.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
27.75 x 33.5 x 1.25 in
Antique C1855 Engraving of Thomas Cole's "The Voyage of Life: Youth"
Estimate $950-$1,490
Starting Bid
$460
1 bidder is watching this item
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October Abstract & Modern Art Collection
Oct 7, 2026, 1:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
$300
$240
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