Who painted Expulsion of Adam and Eve?

Expulsion of Adam and Eve was painted by John Faed in 1880-01-01.

Where can I see Expulsion of Adam and Eve?

Expulsion of Adam and Eve is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Expulsion of Adam and Eve?

Expulsion of Adam and Eve is associated with Pre-Raphaelite.

Can I buy a print of Expulsion of Adam and Eve?

Museum-quality prints of Expulsion of Adam and Eve are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Expulsion of Adam and Eve

John Faed , 1890

Expulsion of Adam and Eve is an oil painting by the Pre-Raphaelite artist John Faed. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows Adam and Eve being driven out of Eden, a scene drawn from the biblical narrative of the Fall.

The painting shows Adam and Eve being driven out of Eden, a scene drawn from the biblical narrative of the Fall. An angel with a flaming sword and a serpent appear, emphasizing the punitive and moral dimensions of the story. The composition underscores themes of sin, divine judgment, and the loss of innocence, while the surrounding landscape reflects the transition from paradise to exile.

Executed in oil on canvas in 1880 by Scottish artist John Faed, the work belongs to the religious genre and was created in Scotland before entering the Cleveland Museum of Art collection.

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting on canvas, a medium and support typical of 19th‑century British art. Executed in 1880 by Scottish artist John Faed, it belongs to the religious genre and depicts the biblical scene of the expulsion of Adam and Eve, including the figures of Adam, Eve, an angel, and the serpent. The painting’s handling follows the representational, academic approach characteristic of Faed’s oeuvre, with clear delineation of the figures and a focus on narrative detail.

History & Provenance

The painting titled "Expulsion of Adam and Eve" was completed in 1880 by Scottish artist John Faed as an oil on canvas work measuring 91.3 × 70.7 cm, depicting the biblical moment of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from paradise with an angel and a serpent. It was produced in Scotland and subsequently entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains listed in the museum’s holdings. The work is catalogued within Faed’s religious genre output of the late 19th century, with its creation date recorded as 1880 and its material and dimensions documented in the museum’s records.

The painting is held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is recorded under accession number 1980.258. According to the museum’s records, the work entered the collection in 1980. The painting has not been documented in major traveling exhibitions in accessible sources, and no exhibition history prior to its acquisition is cited by the museum.

Overview

John Faed's 'Expulsion of Adam and Eve,' executed in 1890, is an oil painting depicting the biblical narrative of humanity's banishment from the Garden of Eden. The composition centers on three figures set within a dim, misty forest landscape that evokes a somber, transitional atmosphere. A tall, winged figure clad in a white robe stands upon a rocky ledge, gesturing upward to signify divine command or the path forward.

Below, the naked figures of Adam and Eve stand close together, their postures conveying shame and reluctance as they glance back toward the angelic messenger. A coiled serpent rests on the ground to the right, serving as a visual reminder of the transgression that precipitated their exile. Created late in Faed's career, this work reflects the Victorian era's continued engagement with religious subjects, characterized by a focus on moral narrative and emotional realism.

The painting utilizes a muted palette and soft atmospheric perspective to emphasize the psychological weight of the expulsion, distinguishing it from more dramatic or theatrical interpretations of the scene common in earlier periods.