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Adam and Eve
Durer, Albrecht, born 1471 - died 1528 - Enlarge image
Adam and Eve
- Object:
Print
- Place of origin:
Nuremberg, Germany (engraved)
- Date:
1504 (engraved)
- Artist/Maker:
Durer, Albrecht, born 1471 - died 1528 (designer)
- Materials and Techniques:
Engraving on paper
- Credit Line:
Bequeathed by Miss Alice G.E. Carthew
- Museum number:
E.581-1940
- Gallery location:
Prints & Drawings Study Room, level D, case EL, shelf 82, box A
'Durer made a large number of preparatory drawings which document the particular care with which he planned the design of this print. It also represents the culmination of his study of a system of human proportion seen in his slightly earlier drawings.' ('Albrecht Durer and his Legacy'; Giulia Bartram, British Museum Press, 2002).
Adam and Eve stand in pale contrast to the dark, and clearly northern, forest behind them; Eve is taking the fruit offered to her by the serpent which Adam stretches out his arm to receive in turn. The details of the figures and foliage are exquisitely depicted in swirling lines, cross-hatching and stipple engraving. Both Adam and Eve have delicately depicted curling hair and they stand almost mirroring each other in their classical poses, Adam holding a branch of the Tree of Life and Eve the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. This fine print displays the artist's virtuoso mastery of the engraving technique.
