Expulsion from Paradise 1514

This is Hans Baldung's woodcut, "Expulsion from Paradise." Notice the angel looming over Adam and Eve, sword raised. This weapon is more than a mere instrument; it’s a symbol of divine justice, appearing across time and cultures. We see it in ancient depictions of guardian deities. It is associated with authority and moral reckoning. Here, it signifies the abrupt end of innocence, wielding not just physical force, but also profound psychological impact. The expressions on Adam and Eve's faces reveal their anguish. This evokes potent emotional response in us, speaking to our primal understanding of loss and regret. The image of the serpent, subtly entwined within the tree, embodies temptation. We see it re-emerge throughout history in various forms, each time carrying its associations with hidden knowledge and forbidden desires. Consider how these images, passed down through generations, shape our understanding of morality, guilt, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.