Adam en Eva c. 1656 - 1657

Moses ter Borch rendered Adam and Eve in red chalk, capturing a pivotal moment laden with symbolism. The serpent, entwined around Adam, becomes the focal point—a symbol of temptation and knowledge, but also deceit. Serpents have slithered through art history, from the ancient Near East, where they represented immortality and healing, to the Garden of Eden, where their presence signaled the fall of man. Think of the serpent in the story of Gilgamesh, who steals the secret of immortality. Over time, the serpent sheds its skin of meaning, appearing in varied forms, like the snake in the caduceus of Hermes, now a symbol of medicine. Here, the serpent's coil, insinuating itself around Adam, brings to mind the psychological depths of temptation and the loss of innocence. This image echoes in our collective memory, resonating with our deepest fears and desires. It's not just a biblical scene; it's a reflection of humanity's ongoing struggle with knowledge and morality. As such, the serpent persists, reappearing in countless guises, perpetually inviting us to question our own choices and destinies.