Adam and Eve 1519

Hans Baldung created this woodcut print of Adam and Eve. It is now held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The composition is striking. Baldung uses the constraints of the woodcut medium to create a dense network of lines which articulate form, shadow, and texture. Look at the positioning of Adam and Eve; they are pressed closely together, almost claustrophobically, between the serpent whispering from behind and the tree, as well as the picture plane itself. The use of light and dark creates a stark contrast, heightening the drama. Baldung destabilizes the traditional idealized portrayal of Adam and Eve. Their bodies are rendered with a naturalism that emphasizes their humanity. The serpent’s whispering gesture and Eve’s facial expression capture a moment of temptation and decision, which is a compelling reflection on morality, choice, and the human condition. The formal elements work together to evoke a sense of tension, drawing viewers into the narrative and inviting reflection on its meaning.