The artwork “Expulsion from the Paradise” is a woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1510 as part of “The Small Passion” series. This piece, exemplifying the Northern Renaissance art movement, has a religious theme and is currently housed in the British Museum, London, UK.
In this detailed woodcut, we see a scene with three figures, which represents the Biblical story of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. On the left side, an angel with widespread wings is shown brandishing a sword, pointing it in the direction of Adam and Eve, who appear distraught as they leave Paradise. Adam is depicted with his arm raised as though shielding himself from the angel or pleading, while Eve covers her body with her hand, a gesture that conveys shame. The stark lines and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow emphasize the emotional intensity of the moment. Albrecht Dürer’s characteristic attention to detail is evident in the textures and patterns within the work, from the feathers of the angel’s wings to the foliage of the trees surrounding the scene. The composition effectively captures the weight of the moment, showing the consequences of Adam and Eve’s actions and their subsequent fall from grace.
