http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/19.73.1
This piece, entitled "Adam and Eve," was created in 1504 A.D. by the German artist Albrecht Dürer. He completed it using engraving as his medium, and the work's dimensions are 9 7/8 inches by 7 7/8 inches.
According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art website, Dürer was fascinated by the particular measurements and proportions that make up the human body. Thus, he created Adam and Eve in this work in relation to his theory of human proportions, making their figures perfect in his perspective.
The aspect of the human figures that drew my attention the most was the muscularity of Adam; I mean, clearly, he's ripped in all parts of his body. It is interesting to note that while the woman is also muscular, her figure may not fit today's society's image of the "perfect figure." Dürer draws her with wide hips and small breasts, which are two aspects that are frowned upon in society. However, Adam and Eve have very similar body positions: they both have one leg straight with the other bent, and the same goes for the arms, so maybe Dürer is depicting male and female as somewhat equal. It is fascinating to see a depiction of what the ideal human body looked like during the early 16th century (taking into account Dürer's bias and the concealment of the private parts, of course).
Besides Adam and Eve's bodies, there are other interesting stylistic choices featured in the piece. The choice to only use black and white was mandatory, as he engraved this piece on copper with carving tools, which I find highly impressive. Also, since the work is carved, I would imagine that it would have a very unique texture.
The significance of this piece lies first with the animals included. There is a cat in the area between their feet that represents irritability, while the rabbit behind Eve's right leg is a symbol of peace. The ox in the bottom right represents tranquility, and the elk portrays sadness. These four qualities were considered the "four temperaments" of medieval society (Metropolitan Museum of Art). An innocent man or woman would have a balance of all of these qualities, but when he or she committed a sin, all four characteristics would be prominent at the same time, meaning that he or she would no longer be innocent.
That being said, this piece has a religious connotation. It signifies the biblical story of Adam and Eve and the reasons they were expelled from the Garden of Eden by God. Eve is seen receiving the forbidden fruit from the snake, which she sinfully eats in the story. This action thus eradicated her innocence, and that is why all four of the temperate animals are showed at once.
Dürer made this piece in accordance to typical German art during that time. According to the National Gallery of Art website, as the Protestant Reformation occurred, other European nations were becoming more powerful; Germany, on the other hand, still consisted of smaller independent states connected by the Holy Roman Empire. Therefore, Germany remained dedicated to Christianity during the early 16th century when "Adam and Eve" was created. Dürer thus made this piece considering societal values with the purpose of reminding his peers not to sin and therefore terminate their innocence.
Lastly, here is my sketch(y) rendition of "Adam and Eve." Please note that I have no artistic skills whatsoever. For a laugh, look at how I struggle to draw hands and feet!
According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art website, Dürer was fascinated by the particular measurements and proportions that make up the human body. Thus, he created Adam and Eve in this work in relation to his theory of human proportions, making their figures perfect in his perspective.
The aspect of the human figures that drew my attention the most was the muscularity of Adam; I mean, clearly, he's ripped in all parts of his body. It is interesting to note that while the woman is also muscular, her figure may not fit today's society's image of the "perfect figure." Dürer draws her with wide hips and small breasts, which are two aspects that are frowned upon in society. However, Adam and Eve have very similar body positions: they both have one leg straight with the other bent, and the same goes for the arms, so maybe Dürer is depicting male and female as somewhat equal. It is fascinating to see a depiction of what the ideal human body looked like during the early 16th century (taking into account Dürer's bias and the concealment of the private parts, of course).
Besides Adam and Eve's bodies, there are other interesting stylistic choices featured in the piece. The choice to only use black and white was mandatory, as he engraved this piece on copper with carving tools, which I find highly impressive. Also, since the work is carved, I would imagine that it would have a very unique texture.
The significance of this piece lies first with the animals included. There is a cat in the area between their feet that represents irritability, while the rabbit behind Eve's right leg is a symbol of peace. The ox in the bottom right represents tranquility, and the elk portrays sadness. These four qualities were considered the "four temperaments" of medieval society (Metropolitan Museum of Art). An innocent man or woman would have a balance of all of these qualities, but when he or she committed a sin, all four characteristics would be prominent at the same time, meaning that he or she would no longer be innocent.
That being said, this piece has a religious connotation. It signifies the biblical story of Adam and Eve and the reasons they were expelled from the Garden of Eden by God. Eve is seen receiving the forbidden fruit from the snake, which she sinfully eats in the story. This action thus eradicated her innocence, and that is why all four of the temperate animals are showed at once.
Dürer made this piece in accordance to typical German art during that time. According to the National Gallery of Art website, as the Protestant Reformation occurred, other European nations were becoming more powerful; Germany, on the other hand, still consisted of smaller independent states connected by the Holy Roman Empire. Therefore, Germany remained dedicated to Christianity during the early 16th century when "Adam and Eve" was created. Dürer thus made this piece considering societal values with the purpose of reminding his peers not to sin and therefore terminate their innocence.
Lastly, here is my sketch(y) rendition of "Adam and Eve." Please note that I have no artistic skills whatsoever. For a laugh, look at how I struggle to draw hands and feet!
http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/features/slideshows/15th-and-early-16th-century-germany.html
http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/336222
Anna Claire,
ReplyDeleteThis is very well done and detailed. The sketch definitely made me laugh :)
I find it fascinating that their figures are what Dürer considered to be perfect. They are drawn very muscular. I agree that the woman does not necessarily fit today's society's image of the "perfect figure." I am shocked that this was carved into copper; that is very impressive. The use of nature and Christianity is appealing to me and I really enjoy this piece of art. Nice blog post :)
-Elizabeth Koscielniak
Great job- love the context provided and how you were able to connect that you to your analysis of the piece.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the sketch, like Elizabeth said it is very detailed. I learned a lot from this post about the art and christianity. Nicely put together! :)
ReplyDelete