Adam en Eva 1855 - 1915

Walter Crane's "Adam en Eva," is an undated print created through the process of wood engraving. The choice of wood engraving as a medium is significant. Unlike more painterly or sculptural approaches, printmaking lends itself to reproduction, echoing the biblical narrative of humanity's proliferation after the expulsion from Eden. The sharp, precise lines of the engraving create a sense of clarity, but also of constraint, perhaps reflecting the limitations of human existence after the fall. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed image through carving into wood, and printing. Crane was deeply involved in the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to re-establish handcraft as a response to the alienation of industrial production. In this context, "Adam en Eva" can be seen as a statement about the value of labor. This print invites us to think about the relationship between art, craft, and the broader social context in which they are produced, challenging the traditional hierarchies that separate fine art from other forms of making.