Using the metaphor of the human life cycle, the author of this viewpoint suggests that consideration of the birth, life, and death of images made in art therapy may promote a new perspective on their ethical treatment. A developmental view of images encourages art therapists to see art images as living entities that undergo a natural life cycle. The birth process adds meaning to the image and encourages the careful tending of images newly born. An "adolescent" image might challenge its creator, whereas images in "middle age" or later may be revisited to offer new perspectives. A developmental view of images supports the integration of meaning derived from all stages of the life span. (Contains 2 figures.)