Ages of man: fourth stage, from the age of forty eight to sixty four years and the classical orders of architecture: doric. Engraving by J. Wierix, 1577, after J. Vredeman de Vries.

This print, one of a series of seven, was published as the "Theatrum vitae humanae" and displayed six stages of the life of man, in connection with the five architectural orders (the sixth being destruction, showing ruins and skeletons representing death). Bearded elderly men are deep in serious discussion on the forecourt of a colonnaded building containing books, contemplating the fruits of their lives, with those who have been prudent and devoted to virtue, who will gain the benefits of pleasing god