Artwork
Adam and Eve before the Tree of Knowledge
Adam and Eve before the Tree of Knowledge is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jan Pietersz Saenredam. It dates from 1604 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This 1604 engraving on laid paper by Jan Pietersz.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: A. Bloemaert inue. / J. Saenredam sculp. 2; four line Latin text across bottom in plate (by T. Schreve): Jusserat ... voluntas.; by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: DTTC
About this work
Overview
This 1604 engraving on laid paper by Jan Pietersz. Saenredam depicts a biblical scene. The work is a print, characteristic of the artist's engagement with various mediums.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving shows Adam and Eve before the Tree of Knowledge, a scene drawn from biblical narrative. The detailed rendering of the tree and surroundings adds symbolic depth to the simple composition.
Technique & Style
Executed in a Northern Mannerist style, the engraving showcases Saenredam's attention to detail and ability to create symbolically charged images. The work reflects his practice of producing allegorical scenes.
History & Provenance
Jan Pietersz. Saenredam was the father of the church interior painter Pieter Jansz. Saenredam, and contributed to the Northern Mannerist tradition through his engravings.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Pieterszoon (abbr. Pietersz.) Saenredam (c. 1565 – 6 April 1607) was a Dutch Northern Mannerist painter, printmaker in engraving, and cartographer, and father of the painter of church interiors, Pieter Jansz…
