In the Beginning 1883 - 1884

Elihu Vedder's "In the Beginning" (1883-1884) is a dramatic depiction of the biblical story of the Garden of Eden. The drawing features Eve, a serpent, and a winged cherub. The artist employs a striking use of chiaroscuro, emphasizing the contrast between light and shadow. The scene is set in a lush forest, creating a sense of both beauty and danger. Vedder's work is characterized by its symbolic language, as seen in the serpent representing temptation and Eve's questioning gaze, prompting viewers to reflect on the complexities of human nature.