In the foreground stand two archers, one of whom shoots in the air. Behind them are men and women engaged in amorous pursuits. Erotic encounters in wooded settings, as shown at left and in the background, had become a popular theme in art, inspired in particular by the paintings of Watteau and prints after them.

This is the third in a series of four canvases by Lancret (all in the Collection) which represent the Four Ages of Man - 'Childhood', 'Youth', 'Maturity', and 'Old Age'.