Lucas Cranach the Elder – Adam and Eve in paradise

Lucas Cranach the Elder was born in the northern French Kronach – hence his name – according to the chronicler Mathais Gunderam, Cranach was born on October 4, 1472. However, according to new research, one predicts he was born around 1472 or 1475. He died on October 16, 1553 in Weimar, where he was also buried. Cranach was one of the most important painters and graphic artists in the Renaissance. He was a court painter and an influential citizen and mayor in Wittenberg. He was also a successful publisher, book keeper, paper dealer and a pharmacy owner. Cranach was the best man at the wedding of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora und was the godfather of their son. Furthermore he was the 7th degree great grandfather of Johann Wolfgang Goethe.

The painting “Adam and Eve in Paradise” was created in 1531. The workshop of Lucas Cranach in Wittenberg, was strengthened about 1 year prior to the painting, in addition to some unknown employees, by his two sons Hans and Lucas Cranach.

Cranach depicts the moment when Eve passes the forbidden apple to Adam. Both are standing naked in the Garden of Eden. A deer is resting at Adam’s feet, a lion at Eve’s. Eve’s long blond curls flow down her back. Adam is holding a twig, which seemingly coincidentally covers both his and her shameful body parts. The tree of knowledge of good and evil is pictured in the background. Eve passes the forbidden fruit to Adam. The snake, who tricked Eve, is entwined around the tree next to her ear, as if he were about to whisper to her.

Painting of the Renaissance, painted in oil on copper beech wood.

In the Gemäldegalerie at the Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz, Matthäikirchplatz, 10785 Berlin. To find out how to get there, please click the link below the description.