This early work depicts the three stages of life: infancy, adulthood and old age. Cupid clambers over the sleeping babies who may grow up to be like the young lovers on the right. Their intense and intimate relationship will eventually be interrupted by death, symbolised by two skulls which the old man contemplates. Titian invites us to meditate on the transience or passage of human life and reminds us of everlasting love. To his contemporaries the church in the background may have signalled the promise of eternal life in heaven. The lush landscape complements the lyrical mood, echoing classical and contemporary pastoral poetry.