The creation of Eve and the Fall of man c. 1560 - 1570

This painted glass panel, now in the Rijksmuseum, depicts both the creation of Eve and the Fall of Man, an interesting combination, by an anonymous artist. We can understand this piece as reflecting the religious and social norms of its time, likely the 16th century. Notice how the artist visualizes key events from the Book of Genesis. On the left, Eve is offered the apple, while on the right, a bound man suggests the consequences of disobedience. The depiction of God creating Eve from Adam's rib also reinforces the era's hierarchical view of gender roles. This piece would have been commissioned, probably for a church or wealthy home, serving a didactic function, reinforcing religious teachings. To fully appreciate this work, we could turn to religious texts, social histories, and art historical studies of the period. This will help us understand how artists and institutions have shaped our understanding of these stories. Through the lens of social and institutional history, we can see this artwork as a product of its time, reflecting the power structures and beliefs of early modern society.