Eva met slang en appel en liggende leeuw 1523

Sebald Beham created this intricate engraving, "Eva met slang en appel en liggende leeuw," circa 1540. The composition is dense, teeming with cross-hatched lines that define the forms of Eve, the serpent, a lion, and the surrounding flora. The stark contrast between light and shadow gives the scene a dramatic intensity, drawing our eye to Eve who stands centrally, holding the apple. Beham's precise, controlled lines create a rich texture, and the tonal variations suggest a complex interplay of light within the garden. Consider how the visual harmony and balance achieved through the strategic placement of figures and objects might reflect the cultural and religious narratives of his time. This engraving invites viewers to consider the interplay between form, content, and the symbolic order that shapes our understanding of this iconic biblical scene.