Adam and Eve
- Artist: Jan Gossaert (Jean Gossart)
- Date: about 1520
- Medium: Oil on wood
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is the "Adam and Eve" by Jan Gossaert, painted in the Flanders region of what was then the Holy Roman Empire. Created around 1520, it's one of a series of at least nine compositions that the artist worked on. What you see here is quite fascinating - it shows the moment right after Adam has taken a bite out of the forbidden apple that Eve holds.
Notice how Eve is still completely naked, standing between two trees: the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. The serpent can be seen watching from above, adding an air of drama to this pivotal scene. In the background, we have the lush Garden of Eden with a beautiful Fountain of Life at its centre.
Gossaert was known for his interest in depicting the human form, particularly nude figures. This painting is a great example of how he drew inspiration from Italian and German art traditions. It's truly an impressive piece of work, even by today's standards.
See it in person
Adam and Eve hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
