The image above is titled The Expulsion From The Garden Of Eden and was painted by an artist called Masaccio sometime after 1423. The work is a fresco and is only a single panel from the painted walls of the Branacci Chapel within the Florentine church of Santa Maria del Carmine. The fresco shows Adam and Eve being thrown out of the Garden of Eden.
What really strikes me about this painting is the shame and suffering evident in the characters. They look like two misbehaving children banished to the corner after a fight involving cookies. The figures themselves are clearly influenced by humanist views. While the characters were cast from paradise they still had their beauty and in them you can still see that they have the potential to succeed in the harsh world into which they are cast. They walk erect and are still colored brightly despite their much less enchanted existence.
While not immediately tied to the Medici family found in the time known as the Renaissance it would be an ancestor of Cosimo de Medici named Cosimo III de’ Medici that ordered the fig leaves to be painted over the genitalia of the paintings subjects.
Further information concerning this works connections with Humanism can be found at the following site: http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/m/masaccio/brancacc/expulsio/expuls.html
September 21, 2009 at 2:42 pm |
Your interpretation of this painting is really good. Humanism at its finest. We love to celebrate the fact that we do wrong by painting such works as this. The detail that Masaccio puts in the work is astonishing. Adam and Eve’s faces sum up the woe that they’re feeling. Also, I like how they realized they were sinning in the first part by showing that they knew that they were nude ( the leaves covering their parts), but when they are thrown out they are bare and naked to the upcoming world. Really well done with you blog for putting down all required information. Plus, you have a follow up link to gain further info.
September 21, 2009 at 3:49 pm |
Very well written. I agree with your humanist views influence. There is lots of emotion on their face and they still look more beautiful then ever even though they are being cast out. The detail is magnificent and i like the interesting fact about the fig leaves being put in later.
September 22, 2009 at 9:40 pm |
Nice choice of artwork. I like how you clearly stated how it was related to the Medici family…how interesting! I like your idea that they looked like misbehaving children, I work at an elementary school and can really attest to its true. I agree that the humanist elements are clear. The painting is beautiful and i think depicts the feelings that Adam and Eve may have really had upon being cast out of Eden. Again nice choice, and thanks for sharing!
Rachel
September 22, 2009 at 9:43 pm |
I love how the painting was censored at a later date. I wonder if that has something to do with new translations of the Bible, or if nudity became culturally more shameful. Their expressions are so vividly shameful and it contrasts so well with the indifference of the angel (God?).
Honestly I disagree with your statements about humanism. While they may walk upright they are still clearly overwhelmed with shame and I wouldn’t say they show signs of hope for the future of humanity. It does, however, show the weakness and imperfection of man.
September 22, 2009 at 11:45 pm |
You have a very good interpretation of the painting. You researched the topic very well and it is evident in the facts stated in your blog. I agree with your points made and thought that you did a very good job explaining them. You made very good connections as well. Great job
September 24, 2009 at 11:52 pm |
You selected a beautiful work of art. I feel you met the requirements of the lesson by stating all the required information. I am amused at your reference to bad children fighting over cookies. Though not my same reaction I was entertained by your response. I do not agree with your interpretation that the work clearly shows a humanist connection, nor that Adam and Eve show potential in this depiction. On the contrary, I felt extreme shame and sorrow being shown, but that is my interpretation and to each his own! Good job!
December 29, 2009 at 8:19 pm |
You research of this painting was spot on, and I disagree with some of the comments stating that this does not have humanist qualities. Although the apparent anguish of Adam and Eve are evident their physical bodies are still perfect and unmarred. They show the detailed anatomy of other humanist works and classic archetypes in the bodies. You expressed the history of the work and you reasons for being drawn to the work well. I was also unable to find an exact date for this work maybe 1426-1427. Aesthetically I did love the piece but I do enjoy the fact that the genitals were covered up, ahh hypocrisy.