Artwork

The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise

The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, by Raphael, 1490
The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, by Raphael, 1490

The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise is a print by the High Renaissance artist Raphael. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise is a print based on a 1490 design by Raphael, recreating the biblical expulsion scene on paper, faithfully adhering to the original composition.

Subject & Meaning

Contrary to the title's suggestion, the print actually depicts two muscular men in a moment of punishment or sorrow, outdoors amidst rocks and a tree stump, with one figure holding a bundle of sticks and the other covering his face, conveying tense, downcast emotions.

Technique & Style

The print showcases meticulous attention to anatomical detail, rendering realistic muscles and skin, characteristic of Renaissance artistic emphasis on naturalism and human form.

History & Provenance

Created after Raphael's 1490 design, the print's specific date and artist (beyond the original designer) are not provided, highlighting Raphael's influence on subsequent interpretations of his work.

Context

This work aligns with the broader Renaissance movement, which valued realism, human anatomy, and biblical themes, positioning the print within a cultural shift towards naturalistic and emotionally expressive art.

Legacy

As a reproduction of Raphael's design, the print contributes to the dissemination of his artistic vision and the enduring theme of the expulsion narrative in Western art, though its individual impact within Raphael's oeuvre is not specified.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Raphael

Artist

Raphael

Raphael was born Raffaello Sanzio in Urbino on April 6, 1483, the son of Giovanni Santi, a painter and poet attached to the ducal court.