De zondeval 1558 - 1570

"De zondeval," or "The Fall of Man," is an engraving of modest size made by an anonymous artist. In it, we see Adam and Eve, their bodies rendered with a sensual attention to form that invites us to consider the visual construction of gender and desire. This piece uses the biblical narrative as a mirror to the human condition. Eve is often portrayed as the instigator of original sin, which reflects historical and cultural biases against women, who were frequently seen as temptresses or morally weaker than men. Here the serpent, entwined around Eve's body, isn't just a tempter but a symbol of the complex dance between knowledge, power, and transgression. The anonymous nature of its creation invites us to consider the collective anxieties around sin, sexuality, and power that this image may have expressed. As you reflect on this piece, consider how it speaks to ongoing conversations about morality, agency, and the narratives that shape our understanding of ourselves and each other.