Artwork
The Temptation by the Snake
The Temptation by the Snake is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Heinrich Aldegrever. It dates from 1540 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Heinrich Aldegrever's 1540 etching, The Temptation by the Snake, is a small-scale print characteristic of his work as a member of the 'Little Masters,' a group of German artists known for detailed engravings.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a woman and child in a garden with a snake coiled around a nearby tree, drawing on biblical iconography, although the scene diverges from the traditional representation of Adam and Eve.
Technique & Style
Aldegrever employed fine lines to achieve deep shadows and detailed textures, showcasing his skill with etching, a relatively new printmaking technique at the time.
Context
Active in the generation following Albrecht Dürer, Aldegrever's work reflects the influence of detailed engraving techniques characteristic of his contemporaries and predecessors.
Artist & collection
Artist
Heinrich Aldegrever or Aldegraf was a German painter and engraver. He was one of the "Little Masters", the group of German artists making small old master prints in the generation after Albrecht Dürer.
