Adam and Eve, from a series of scenes of the Genesis with scrolling motifs and grotesque figures on black grounds
Engraving, part of a repetition of a series of six scenes of the Genesis, surrounded by scrolling motifs and grotesque figures on black grounds, created by Étienne Delaune before 1573. This print represents Adam and Eve facing each other across the sides of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, around which scrolls a serpent. Adam and Eve are represented symmetrically in similar positions, kneeling on thin branches and supporting their hands on an rod with a flag. They both extend their free hand towards the tree; Eva's hand is about to take the apple that is being offered to her by the serpent, while Adam's holds a dead flower hanging from the tree. Below their hands are two banners, from which hang two skulls, symbolizing the death that results from sin. Behind each one of the characters is a dog, possibly representing the link between sexuality and bestiality, or possibly recalling an early image of Saturn and, thus, of the passage of time and the constant reminder of death. It is likely that, to add dramatism to his composition, Delaune chose to bring together the ideas of death, time, and melancholy; the latter is symbolized by two swans in the lower part of the composition. Eve's nudity, in contrast with the fabric around Adam's hips, might be a sort of "memento mori" or a representation of vanity, especially when read in relation to the skulls. On the upper corners of the print are two doves, one flying towards an olive tree, and the other holding an olive branch in its beak and holding with its feet a canopy that is placed above the tree. The doves next to olive branches are symbols of peace, and likely make an anticipated allusion to the new alliance with God after the flood. The other motifs in the print, including winged putti heads and butterflies, do not seem to have an allegorical function, other than a decorative nature.
Artwork Details
- Title: Adam and Eve, from a series of scenes of the Genesis with scrolling motifs and grotesque figures on black grounds
- Series/Portfolio: Six Pagan Divinities
- Artist: Etienne Delaune (French, Orléans 1518/19–1583 Strasbourg)
- Date: before 1573
- Medium: Engraving
- Dimensions: Sheet (trimmed): 2 1/8 × 2 13/16 in. (5.4 × 7.2 cm)
- Classifications: Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: Gift of Harry G. Friedman, 1962
- Object Number: 62.635.48(1)
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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