Paradise by Lucas Cranach, the Elder, Genesis 2, Bible.Gallery
Artwork Description
Among the late and somewhat monotonous works of Lucas Cranach the Elder, the picture “Paradise” stands out. It resembles a child’s drawing, a splint, something unreal, but captivating with its naivety and peculiar, fantastic poetry.
The painting depicts the entire biblical story – from the Fall to the Exile from Paradise. In the foreground, the Almighty strictly inquires the guilty Adam and Eve. To the left in the depths are the same figures of Adam and Eve, but much smaller. The moment of temptation is sealed: behind the back of Eve is the Serpent, and she already extends to Adam the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.
On the left in the back of the picture, an angry angel casts out sinners from Paradise. And in the foreground peacefully walking herbivorous animals and predators. But the horse sensed the danger, climbed up on its hind legs and was ready to jump and run, and the lions also realized that they were predators.