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.