Adam and Eve Eating the Forbidden Fruit, from Old and New Testaments 1548

Augustin Hirschvogel's "Adam and Eve Eating the Forbidden Fruit, from Old and New Testaments" (1548), is a detailed etching that depicts the biblical story of Adam and Eve's fall from grace. The composition focuses on the moment of temptation, with Adam reaching for the apple while Eve stands by, seemingly already having taken a bite. The serpentine figure of the serpent, coiled around the tree, adds a sinister element to the scene. Hirschvogel's meticulous attention to detail, evident in the depiction of the foliage, animals, and human figures, creates a realistic and evocative portrayal of this classic biblical story. The etching exemplifies the artistic trends of the German Renaissance, blending realism with symbolic imagery.