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D2005-CMD-112
"New Game of Human Life, Rules"
D2005-CMD-112

"New Game of Human Life, Rules"

DateJuly 14, 1790
Artist/Maker d. 1818
OriginEngland, London
MediumHand-colored line engraving
DimensionsOH: 21 1/2" x OW: 29 13/16"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1975-329
DescriptionCenter of the game, title reads: "THE NEW/ Game of Human Life./ LONDON./ Published according to Act of Parliament July 14 1790, by/ John Wallis N.o 16 Ludgate Street, and E. Newbery, the/ Corner of S.t Paul's Church Yard./ Entered at Stationer's Hall."

Eighty-four steps depicting different ages of human life in a coil, in center of print & around edges are directions and explanations of each age.Label TextMany children's games taught morals and values. The stated purpose of this one was to "contrast happiness of a Virtuout & well spent life with the fatal consequences arising from Vicious & Immoral pursuits."

Players advanced their counters along the path of life according to the spin of a totum. They had to wait or allow others to pass them as dictated by fate and the game. The winner was the first to reach number eighty-four, "The Immortal Man." The path to this haven was divided into seven distinct "ages of man" in keeping with popular notions that divided life into identifiable stages.