“The Three Ages" By, Jules Scalbert (French 1851-1928)

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This is a beautiful and sensitive portrayal of three ages or three generations. The child appears tearful and looks like she ran a tantrum to be with her grandmother. The mother has picked her up and left her at the door to be with her. You will notice the child's left foot on the mother's foot in the process of releasing her. The spinning wheel used by the grandmother must have been fascinating to the child, how the bundle of fibre in the hand is twisted and made into yarn. 

Where three generations are involved, there is greater affinity or affection between the youngest and the oldest and this is seen here. The family is not of too significant a means and understandably the grandmother is making herself useful. There is a look of contentment on the mothers face indicating that though they may be of uncertain means (from upkeep of house), they enjoy a feeling of togetherness, that is more important for them.

Wondering why the artist has chosen the spinning wheel to be part of the picture when conveying the theme of three ages. Was the action of the spinning wheel showing the passage of time, a continuity in generations? As the fibre is being twisted to create the thread, does it show the collaboration between generations? The strength of the younger generation combining with the wisdom of the older, brings out the beauty of collaboration. 

The detailing of the house and surroundings is very good. You even notice that the slab tread at the entrance of the house has a slight curvature in the middle due to usage. Liked how the artist has shown water from the roof collecting in a small tank with fabricated pipes. What is outstanding is the use of pastel colors throughout, which gives the painting a very calming effect. Even the colors of the flowers (red clematis?) are subdued. 


Also the artist has shown a clear differentiation of ages, with merely the firmness of the skin and its tone. The neck is usually the first place where age makes its presence felt. 


I see that there is a some overlap with what Mr.Ghosh has commented. I had already written this when I saw his comments, so I let it be. It will only reinforce our observations.

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