Schepping van Eva Possibly 1582 - 1654

Pieter van der Borcht created this engraving, *The Creation of Eve*, around the late 16th century. The picture shows the Garden of Eden as a space for study and reflection, not just a place of simple delight. The natural world is carefully observed and the animals are cataloged almost scientifically. We should remember that this was the period of great voyages of discovery, when Europeans were encountering new societies and species and attempting to integrate them into their understanding of the world. Van der Borcht was working in Antwerp, a center for the production of prints and books. So his image reflects the growing importance of the visual image and the printed word in shaping people's understanding of the world. To properly understand this artwork, we would need to research the artist, the printmaking industry in Antwerp, and the scientific and religious ideas that shaped his worldview. The history of art helps us understand the cultural values that were invested in images like these.