Artwork Page for Eve

Details / Information for Eve

Eve

1505–36

Daniel Hopfer

(German, c. 1470–1536)
Culture
Germany, late 15th-early 16th century
Medium
etching
Measurements
Image: 28.7 x 11.3 cm (11 5/16 x 4 7/16 in.); Sheet: 28.7 x 11.3 cm (11 5/16 x 4 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Delia E. Holden Fund 1975.121
Catalogue raisonné
Hollstein XV.38.2
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Sometimes the scarcity of nature is just as significant as its abundance. Here, a tree that appears to be dying forms the backdrop for Eve, who covers herself in a pose associated with modesty in Classical sculpture. Her arms convey the shame of sin, a state of despair emphasized by her downward gaze. The dying tree also suggests paradise lost, the
inevitability of death. Daniel Hopfer was one of the first artists to use the etching technique, printing his works from iron plates, rather than copper, as became common later.
A vertically oriented black-inked etching depicts a nude woman with light skin tone standing against a tree, her long, wavy hair falling past her shoulders. She looks down to our left, right hand on her chest and left hand covering her groin. Above, small winged heads float in clouds, while a winged figure brandishes a sword. Fine, dense hatching creates shadows across the tree, fallen fruits, and initials 'D H'.

Eve

1505–36

Daniel Hopfer

(German, c. 1470–1536)
Germany, late 15th-early 16th century

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