Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Sculpture, Room 111, The Gilbert Bayes Gallery

The Creation of Eve and the Tree of Knowledge

Relief
1540-1560 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The art of plaquette making emerged in the south, in Nuremberg and Augsburg, about 1510–20. The plaquettes had the same multiple purpose as their Italian predecessors. They were used mainly by goldsmiths and in bronze foundries, but also by cabinetmakers. The models were carved in wood, stone, slate and wax, then reproduced in bronze and lead. This relief together with A.111-1929 belong to a series telling the story of Genesis, the first book in the Old Testament. The same model was used by goldsmiths for reliefs on tankards, caskets and cabinets.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Creation of Eve and the Tree of Knowledge (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Gilt bronze
Brief description
Relief, The Creation of Eve and the Tree of Knowledge, gilt bronze, Germany (Saxony) 1540-1560
Physical description
Gilt bronze relief depicting the creation of Eve and the Tree of Knowledge. On the left God creates Eve from the sleeping body of Adam, on the right he shows Adam and Eve the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. At the sides and in the background are various trees and animals. At the top and bottom a double beaded border.
Dimensions
  • Height: 6cm
  • Width: 13cm
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
Historical context
This is from a series of scenes from Genesis.
Subjects depicted
Summary
The art of plaquette making emerged in the south, in Nuremberg and Augsburg, about 1510–20. The plaquettes had the same multiple purpose as their Italian predecessors. They were used mainly by goldsmiths and in bronze foundries, but also by cabinetmakers. The models were carved in wood, stone, slate and wax, then reproduced in bronze and lead. This relief together with A.111-1929 belong to a series telling the story of Genesis, the first book in the Old Testament. The same model was used by goldsmiths for reliefs on tankards, caskets and cabinets.
Bibliographic references
  • Weber, I. Deutsche, Niederländische, und Französische Renaissance Plaketten. Munich, 1975. p. 138. no. 199, 1.
  • Cf. Braun, E. W. Die deutschen Renaissanceplaketten der Sammlung Alfred Walcher Ritter von Molthein in Wien. Wien : A. Schroll, 1918. no. 5. p. 28.
  • Cf. Buchholtz, A. Goldschmiedearbeiten in Livland, Estland und Kurland. Lübeck, 1892. pl. I.
Collection
Accession number
A.110-1929

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdNovember 26, 2004
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest