The Expulsion from Paradise, from "The Small Passion"
Original title: The Expulsion from Paradise, from "The Small Passion"
kurzbeschreibung
This woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, dated 1510, depicts the biblical scene of Adam and Eve being expelled from the Garden of Eden. Part of the series "The Small Passion," it shows the moment of farewell, with an angel wielding a sword above the departing couple.
Description
Adam kneels on the ground, while Eve reaches out her hand to him in a gesture of parting. Above them, an angel with wings and a sword appears to be ushering them out. In the background, a tree with branches and fruit, including the forbidden fruit, references the Fall. The composition is detailed, with fine lines and shading that give texture to the figures and the landscape. The year 1510 is inscribed in the upper right corner.
Context
Dürer created this woodcut as part of "The Small Passion," a series of 37 prints illustrating the life and suffering of Christ, published in 1511. The series was highly popular and contributed to Dürer's reputation as a master printmaker. This scene draws on the typological tradition, linking Adam's fall with Christ's redemption, a common theme in Christian art.
Impact
The print conveys a sense of solemnity and emotional weight, with the angel's commanding presence contrasting with the couple's subdued departure. The intricate linework draws the viewer's eye across the composition, inviting reflection on the narrative. The expressive gestures of Adam and Eva make the scene relatable despite its religious subject.
Technique
This is a woodcut, a relief printing technique where the image is carved into a wooden block, inked, and transferred to paper. Dürer's mastery of the medium is evident in the precise, flowing lines and the varied shading that suggest depth and texture. The use of black ink on paper creates a stark, graphic contrast typical of early 16th-century prints.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public domain (CC0)