The Expulsion from Paradise - Johann Sadeler I

A hand-coloured copperplate engraving by Johann Sadeler I, depicting the biblical expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.

This hand-coloured engraving depicts the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve being driven from the Garden of Eden by an angel. Johann Sadeler I, a member of a prominent family of Flemish engravers, produced this work during the late sixteenth century. The composition follows the conventions of Northern Mannerism, characterised by elongated figures and a focus on dramatic movement. The angel, positioned on the left, gestures with authority, while Adam and Eve are shown in a state of hurried departure.

The background features a variety of animals, including a lion and a stag, which provide a sense of the natural world left behind by the figures. The inclusion of the serpent in the foreground serves as a direct reference to the preceding temptation. The print is finished with hand-applied colour, which was a common practice for such engravings intended for inclusion in illustrated bibles or devotional books. The Latin inscription at the base provides a textual anchor for the scene, referencing the third chapter of Genesis.

Technically, the work demonstrates the precision of the copperplate engraving process. The lines are fine and controlled, allowing for the definition of musculature and the textures of the foliage. The use of colour is restrained, focusing on the garments of the angel and the natural elements of the scene. This print offers a clear view into the visual culture of the late Renaissance, where religious narratives were disseminated through accessible, printed media. The work reflects the period's interest in human anatomy and the integration of figures into a defined, albeit stylised, environment.