Workshop of Abraham Bloemaert, Adam and Eve, 1650, Oil on Canvas

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Description

The expulsion of adam and eve from the garden of eden

abraham bloemaert (gorinchem 1564 - utrecht 1651) workshop

oil … Read more The expulsion of adam and eve from the garden of eden

abraham bloemaert (gorinchem 1564 - utrecht 1651) workshop

oil on canvas (118 x 81 cm - framed 129 x 91 cm)

the work depicts a famous scene from the old testament (genesis 3:23-24), namely the expulsion of adam and eve from the garden of eden after breaking the only prohibition imposed by god. The two protagonists are depicted naked, covered only by ivy vines, in the heart of a lush natural environment and visibly burdened by remorse for their sin.

below, we see the serpent, which, after having managed to lure eve to the forbidden fruit, is stealthily slithering away, as well as a rabbit, which, instead, alludes to the serene nature and innocent life of the garden before sin.

looming above them is the angel with the flaming sword, his powerful iconographic presence representing divine justice, protection, and punishment. Following god's will, he is ordering them away from eden, pointing with his finger in the opposite direction.

the composition derives from an invention by abraham bloemaert (gorinchem 1564 - utrecht 1651), later popularized by an engraving by jan pietersz. Saenredam (1565-1607) from around 1604 (see m. G. Roethlisberger, abraham bloemaert and his sons, ghent 1993, p. 123, no. 75), contributing to the popularity of this iconographic subject.

a leading figure in 17th-century dutch painting, bloemaert was the founder of the celebrated "utrecht school" with a career that spanned over sixty years, spreading his style through the numerous engravings of his works, mostly by hendrick goltzius, in addition to the aforementioned jan saenredam.

the artists in his circle, whether students of the utrecht school or followers, used his compositions, often preserved in prints and drawings, as models. Just like the artist in our canvas, who, stylistically and considering the period, can easily be identified as an active exponent of his workshop during the 17th century.

1. Expulsion of adam and eve from the garden of eden, jan saenredam (zaandam, 1565 – assendelft, 1607), after abraham bloemaert
national gallery of art, washington, dc.

additional information:

the painting is sold complete with a beautiful gilded frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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