The Sixth of Ten Commandments, from "Die zehe gebot" 1500 - 1545

"The Sixth of Ten Commandments" is a woodcut by Hans Baldung, a prominent German artist, created between 1500 and 1545. It is part of a series of ten woodcuts depicting the Ten Commandments, each exploring a specific commandment. The image illustrates the sixth commandment: "Thou shalt not commit adultery." The woodcut depicts a couple seated beneath a tree, a depiction of forbidden love, and features a prominent use of detailed linework to emphasize the emotions and gestures of the figures. This work, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Baldung's mastery of the woodcut medium and his insightful commentary on biblical themes.