The Expulsion from Paradise

The Expulsion from Paradise by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1510, is a monumental example of Northern Renaissance graphic art. Executed as a woodcut on laid paper, this specific medium allowed Dürer to achieve remarkable tonal variation and narrative complexity, pushing the boundaries of what was technically achievable in the printmaking process. The subject derives from the foundational Christian narrative of Adam and Eve being cast out of the Garden of Eden, a scene frequently explored in German artistic traditions.

Produced during the peak period of 1501 to 1550, this woodcut confirms Dürer’s pivotal role in elevating the status of prints from mere illustration to independent, collectible art forms. The composition features the muscular, idealized bodies of Adam and Eve reacting with palpable anguish to the severe, dynamic figure of the avenging angel. Unlike earlier, often simplified depictions, Dürer focuses here on the psychological drama inherent in the moment of divine judgment. His innovative use of cross-hatching and dense line work provides texture and depth, successfully simulating the effects of shading typically found in painting, while simultaneously harnessing the graphic power of the woodcut medium.

This work is characteristic of the innovative techniques pioneered by German Renaissance masters. The broad circulation of such fine art prints ensured Dürer's influence spread widely across Europe, solidifying his reputation as a master draftsman and designer. This particular impression of the woodcut resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing crucial context for the study of early modern graphic arts. Due to its historical significance and age, high-quality images of this classic work are frequently found in the public domain, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to study Dürer’s profound contribution to the medium.