The Story of Adam and Eve c. 1450

Maso Finiguerra created this pen and brown ink drawing called "The Story of Adam and Eve" in 15th century Florence, a place where the cultural and intellectual movement of the Renaissance was well underway. Finiguerra presents the narrative in a continuous sequence. It begins with the creation and temptation of Adam and Eve, then their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The story continues with them having children, and the murder of Abel by Cain. Here, Finiguerra grapples with the representation of women, who are often portrayed as either pure or sinful, which confines them to limited roles. Eve’s decision to eat the forbidden fruit, and her subsequent persuasion of Adam, marks the beginning of human sin. You can almost feel the weight of judgement being cast. This moment has had an enduring impact on the perception of women's roles, both in the church and in society more broadly. The emotional charge of this piece lies in the tension between human desire and divine law, between innocence and guilt. As you reflect on the narrative, consider how the artist’s choices continue to shape our understanding of gender and morality.