Creation of Eve, from "The Dance of Death"

The influential woodcut Creation of Eve, from "The Dance of Death" was created by Hans Holbein the Younger between 1521 and 1538. This specific print belongs to Holbein’s groundbreaking series, which utilized the developing field of relief printing to disseminate complex moral and theological narratives widely across Europe during the Northern Renaissance.

Unlike the macabre subjects typically associated with The Dance of Death sequence, this scene depicts the serene, idyllic biblical creation. It focuses on the moment God (or Gods, as per the catalogue subject tag) creates Eve from the side of Adam, who rests peacefully on the earth. Younger masterfully incorporates the bounty and perfect order of the Garden of Eden: in the foreground, various peaceful creatures such as Dogs, Rabbits, and Deer inhabit the dense foliage, while Birds fly overhead and Fish swim in the nearby stream. Even potential predators, including Boars, are shown grazing quietly in this prelapsarian setting. The composition is carefully balanced by the appearance of the celestial symbols of the Moon and the Sun in the upper corners, emphasizing the divine establishment of the natural world.

Younger’s detailed approach to the demanding woodcut medium, likely executed by a skilled engraver based on his precise designs, is evident in the fine lines and textural variations defining the landscape and human figures. Produced during a period of religious upheaval, these accessible prints became highly influential both artistically and doctrinally. This impression of Creation of Eve is held within the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving its cultural significance as a key example of historical printmaking and a widely available public domain artwork.