Adam and Eve Under a Tree (recto); Two Men in Dispute (verso) c. 1610 - 1620

Hermann Weyer made this pen and brown ink drawing, entitled "Adam and Eve Under a Tree," in the early 17th century. Here, we witness the moment of temptation, heavy with theological and cultural significance in its own time. In Northern Europe, the traditional Genesis narrative had become a locus for anxieties about social order. As such, Weyer’s image isn't just a depiction of a biblical scene. It represents a pivotal moment concerning religious doctrine and the perceived roles of men and women within society. The tale spoke to the nature of obedience, the consequences of disobedience, and the inherent frailty of human nature. Art historians would use period literature, theological texts, and social histories to further contextualize Weyer’s drawing and its significance. The image’s visual codes and its cultural references invite us to consider the intricate relationship between art and the social mores of its time.