The lost Paradise 1897

Franz von Stuck, a prominent figure in the Symbolist movement, painted "The Lost Paradise" to reflect the anxieties of the turn of the century. During this era, societal norms and religious beliefs were being questioned, leading to a sense of unease. Here, Adam and Eve are banished from Eden, their nakedness highlighting vulnerability and loss. The angel, framed with an almost violent halo, stands guard, representing divine authority. Von Stuck, though, presents a less than idealized view of this biblical narrative. There's a palpable sense of regret in Adam's hunched posture and averted gaze, while Eve seems to shield herself as she trudges forward. This wasn't simply a religious scene to Von Stuck, it was a statement on the human condition. As boundaries shifted during this time, he emphasizes the emotional and psychological consequences of change, capturing the yearning for a simpler, perhaps unattainable past.