Artwork
Expulsion from Paradise
Expulsion from Paradise is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1513 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Altdorfer's woodcut 'Expulsion from Paradise' is a print on laid paper, created around 1513. It exemplifies the artist's innovative approach to landscape and biblical themes.
Subject & Meaning
The woodcut depicts three figures being expelled from a walled garden, conveying a sense of tension and urgency through their expressions and gestures. The scene is likely a representation of the biblical story of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden.
Technique & Style
Altdorfer employed sharp lines and detailed rendering to create a dramatic scene in black and white. The work showcases his skill in woodcut technique, characteristic of the Nuremberg Little Masters, a group known for their detailed engravings.
Context
As a leading figure of the Danube School, Altdorfer often integrated biblical scenes with vivid landscapes. 'Expulsion from Paradise' reflects his early interest in landscape as an independent subject, demonstrating his contribution to the development of this genre.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1480 – 12 February 1538) was a German painter, engraver and architect of the Renaissance working in Regensburg. Along with Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber he is regarded to be the main…
