And Their Eyes were Opened 1955

Fritz Eichenberg made this wood engraving, called 'And Their Eyes Were Opened', using chisels and gouges to cut into a block of wood. Can you imagine the process of carving away at the surface? The whole scene emerges from a dark ground, with areas of the block meticulously removed to create a dense, light-filled image. Look at Eve, hunched over, her face buried in her hands – Eichenberg really gets to the raw emotions of the biblical tale. I wonder what Eichenberg was thinking about when he made this print. He seems to emphasize a vision of humanity living in harmony with nature: there are animals all around – deer, birds, lions, and snakes! But, of course, there’s also that angel standing guard, sword in hand, ready to drive them out. It is clear to see that Eichenberg understood how art could offer a place for contemplation. In turn, we continue the exchange of ideas, inspiring each other’s creativity across time.