Adam en Eva in het paradijs 1673

This etching, *Adam and Eve in Paradise*, was created by Romeyn de Hooghe in the late 17th century. The composition presents a striking contrast between the celestial and the earthly. The upper portion is dominated by clouds and divine figures while the lower part depicts Adam and Eve surrounded by a diverse array of animals and exotic figures. De Hooghe uses dense, intricate lines to create a sense of depth and texture, inviting the viewer into a complex world teeming with life. This print uses the narrative of Adam and Eve to engage with ideas about creation, nature, and humanity's place within the world. The organization of the elements is not just an aesthetic choice but also a reflection of the period's understanding of the universe. The Garden of Eden becomes a space to explore the relationship between humans and animals, reflecting a broader cultural interest in the natural world. The symmetry of the composition and the idealized forms of Adam and Eve suggest a harmonious vision, yet the detailed rendering of the natural world hints at a more complex, potentially destabilizing, understanding of paradise.