The Voyage of Life: Old Age

In the final painting of Thomas Cole's Voyage of Life, the voyager has reached old age. His boat, battered by life's journey, drifts on calm, dark waters. The guardian angel returns, now clearly visible, pointing upward toward a heavenly light breaking through the clouds.

Cole shows the voyager looking up with peaceful acceptance. The hourglass that appeared on the boat's prow throughout the series now has its sand run out. Angels descend from a golden sky, welcoming the soul to eternal life.

The four paintings at the National Gallery of Art form one of the most important American paintings series of the 19th century.