Dish with the Expulsion from Paradise c. 1535 - 1545

This tin-glazed earthenware dish depicts the Expulsion from Paradise and was made in Italy sometime in the 16th or 17th century. The subject is taken from the book of Genesis and this version includes visual codes that would have been recognizable at the time. The dish presents a complicated view of the early modern world. As Adam and Eve are forced from the Garden, other nude figures seem to represent the arts of architecture, painting, and sculpture, suggesting the creative capacity of humankind, even after the Fall. In early modern Italy, art academies were relatively new institutions and were associated with civic pride. This image acknowledges the religious story while also celebrating the social importance of art. By considering the institutional context in which this plate was made and used, we can better understand its complex message. To research further, one might look into the history of Italian art academies and their relationship to the Catholic Church. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.