The artwork, “Eve, from the right wing of the Ghent Altarpiece,” was created by the renowned artist Jan van Eyck between the years 1425 and 1429. Rendered in oil on wood, this piece is a quintessential example of the Northern Renaissance art movement and belongs to the genre of religious painting. The artwork is part of the larger series known as “The Ghent Altarpiece” and is currently housed in St. Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium.
In the artwork, Eve is depicted standing in a contrapposto pose, which highlights the naturalistic approach typical of Jan van Eyck’s style. She is presented in the nude, holding what appears to be a citrus fruit in her right hand, an element that likely symbolizes her role in the biblical narrative of the Fall of Man. Her physical form is depicted with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing Van Eyck’s mastery in rendering human anatomy and skin tones. The background is dark and neutral, focusing the viewer’s attention entirely on the figure of Eve. This piece, as a part of “The Ghent Altarpiece,” underscores the theological and moral themes central to the altarpiece’s overall composition.
