Artwork
The Fall of Man
The Fall of Man is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Hugo Van der Goes. It is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Created in 1488, this oil painting portrays the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve’s transgression.
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Subject & Meaning
Created by Hugo van der Goes in 1476, the composition centers on this pivotal event from Genesis, illustrating the moment of humanity's original sin.
The painting depicts the biblical narrative of the Fall of Man, serving as a religious work within the Early Netherlandish tradition. Created by Hugo van der Goes in 1476, the composition centers on this pivotal event from Genesis, illustrating the moment of humanity's original sin. As a religious genre piece, the work functions as a visual representation of the theological concept of the loss of innocence and the subsequent expulsion from Eden.
The subject matter is explicitly identified as the fall of man, anchoring the artwork's meaning in the story of disobedience and its consequences.
Technique & Style
Created in 1476 by Hugo van der Goes, this Early Netherlandish work is executed in oil paint on a wooden panel. The painting measures 33.8 cm in height and 23.5 cm in width. As a religious composition, it visually depicts the biblical narrative of the Fall of Man. The work is currently held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
History & Provenance
The painting The Fall of Man was created in 1476 by the Early Netherlandish artist Hugo van der Goes. Executed in oil paint on a panel measuring 33.8 cm by 23.5 cm, the work depicts the biblical subject of the fall of man. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, where it remains located.
No further details regarding its specific commission, previous owners, or the full chain of custody prior to its current museum housing are provided in the available records.
Overview
Created in 1488, this oil painting portrays the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve’s transgression. The composition places Eve at the centre, reaching for the forbidden fruit, while Adam watches nearby with a look of concern. A serpent coils around the tree, and a tranquil landscape of hills and sky forms the background.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Hugo van der Goes (c. 1430/1440 – 1482) was a Flemish painter who was one of the most significant and original Early Netherlandish painters of the late 15th century. Van der Goes was an important painter of altarpieces…
Vienna Diptych
Portinari Triptych
Monforte Altarpiece
Adoration of the Magi (Triptych)
The Mourning of Christ
Adoration of the Shepherds
Trinity Altarpiece
Left wing of a Memorial Triptych, formerly called the Gertz Memorial Triptych, with nine male Donor Portraits with Saint John the Evangelist (inner), and Saint Peter (outer)
![The Fall of Man [middle panel], by German 15th/16th Century](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/german-15th-16th-century--the-fall-of-man-middle-panel--51048cc74e2325c7-w320.webp)
