Schepping van Eva 1524 - 1538

This woodcut, depicting ‘The Creation of Eve,’ was crafted by Hans Holbein the Younger. The scene is dominated by the figure of God, adorned with a crown and emanating light, as he touches Adam, from whom Eve emerges. The symbolism here is rich: the sun and moon above, symbols of cosmic order and time, reflect a world in perfect harmony. Yet, we must consider how these symbols echo through history. Think of the sun god Helios in classical antiquity, or the lunar goddess Selene. These archetypes are not merely aesthetic choices but carry the weight of centuries of human hopes and fears. The motif of divine creation, seen here, is not unique to Christian art; it appears in various forms across cultures, each reflecting a deep, primal desire to understand our origins. This act of creation, repeated across time, engages us on a deep subconscious level. These symbols are continually reshaped, proving that cultural memory is never linear, but cyclical.