Details

Object type

painting

Title

The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise / Adam et Eve chasses du Paradis

Culture/School

French

Date

circa 1818-1863

Materials

oil on canvas

Dimensions

unframed: 1365 mm x 1045 mm

Description

Delacroix was one of the greatest painters of the 19th century. Influenced by Tintoretto, Rubens, El Greco and by Constable, he paved the way for the Impressionists with his rich, strong, bold use of colour. This painting relates to one of the cupola pendentives in the library of the Palais Bourbon, Paris, whose decorations were painted by Delacroix between 1838 and 1847.

These pendentives were painted with allegories including Science and Philosophy. Adam and Eve is in the area devoted to Theology. Adam stands, bowed, his hands pressed to his head in despair. Eve, squatting at Adam's feet, pleads with outstretched arms, her long hair flowing behind her. Above them the angel, in pale blue robes, banishes them from Paradise. Behind the celestial figure the sky is a blaze of fiery lights.

Credit Line/Donor

Presented by the Trustees of the Hamilton Bequest, 1933

ID Number

1873

Location

In storage