Ornamentele lijst met Adam en Eva 1583

Johann Sadeler the first made this ornamental border with Adam and Eve around 1600, using engraving to create a print, which was then enhanced with watercolor. What is fascinating about this particular print is how it interweaves the biblical story with the realities of labor and production. Adam and Eve, expelled from paradise, are surrounded not just by symbols of their transgression, but by the tools of human work. Look closely and you'll see musical instruments, tools, and agricultural products. This is no mere decoration; the print seems to reflect on the relationship between original sin and the necessity of hard labor. The engraving process itself speaks to this theme. It required meticulous craftsmanship and time, producing images for widespread consumption. The addition of watercolor turns each print into a unique object, thus adding to the significance of this intricate and thoughtful work. It invites us to consider the fundamental relationships between creativity, labor, and the human condition.