Cain slaying Abel 1710 - 1780

Francesco La Marra rendered "Cain Slaying Abel" in the 18th century with pen and brown ink. The story of Cain and Abel has been told and retold across millennia, often interpreted as a foundational narrative concerning morality, sin, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. La Marra’s interpretation comes on the heels of the Enlightenment when understandings of individuality, reason, and the passions began to shift. Here, we witness Cain, a muscular figure, looming over his brother Abel, caught in the act of fratricide. Note the stark contrast between Cain’s muscular physique and wrathful expression, and Abel’s vulnerable, limp body. In La Marra's time, the exploration of human emotion and psychology gained prominence and biblical narratives such as this, offered fertile ground for artists to delve into complex themes of jealousy, rage, and the consequences of human actions. What does it mean to kill your own brother? What kind of emotions would drive one to do that?