Adam and Eve
Albert Durer - 1504
Durer’s print shows the fine detail and rich effects of texture that could be created in engraving – qualities that led it to succeed woodcut as the main technique for book illustrations
More information
Visible by: Everyone
All rights reserved
-
Taken on Friday October 18, 2024
-
Posted on Friday October 18, 2024
- 11 visits
- 1 person likes
3 comments
Dinesh said:
Dinesh said:
Dinesh said:
Despite the chill of the forest, the two human figures appear nude. Their bodies are frontal, and they stand in a classical contrapposto, or counterpoise, where the weight of the body is shifted onto one foot. The corresponding shift in hips and shoulders creating a convincing illusion of a body capable of movement but temporarily at rest. Despite this apparent naturalism, their heads are turned to the side as they gaze at one another. This twisting configuration of head and body is distinctly artificial. The naturalizing contrapposto clashing with the artificiality of the rest of the pose establishes a pattern of contradictions that run throughout the picture. A seemingly astutely observed tree becomes distinctly odd, as we recognize that Eve is plucking an apple from a tree with fig leaves. A parrot, a tropical bird, perches on a branch to the viewer’s left. Six other animals stroll disinterestedly through or stand about—an elk, ox, cat, rabbit, mouse, and goat.
smarthistory.org/durer-adam-and-eve