The Expulsion from Paradise, from "The Small Passion"

The Expulsion from Paradise, from "The Small Passion" is a powerful woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer in 1510. This piece belongs to the artist's celebrated series of woodcut prints, collectively known as "The Small Passion" (Kleine Passion), which illustrated the major events of Christian scripture for a wide audience. As a master engraver, Dürer utilized the woodcut technique to achieve remarkable detail and intensity within a small format. This print vividly captures the moment Adam and Eve are cast out of Eden, marking a foundational episode in the Genesis narrative.

In the scene, Dürer depicts the profound moment of rupture between humanity and God. A formidable Angel, often identified as the Cherubim with the flaming sword, stands sentinel, gesturing forcefully toward the distraught figures of Adam and Eve. The shame and despair of the first humans are palpable as they leave the sheltered garden. Dürer’s economical use of lines and sharp contrasts highlights the dramatic tension inherent in the subject. Despite the work being a relief print, the level of anatomical realism applied to both Adam and Eve demonstrates the Renaissance sensibilities Dürer brought to Northern European art.

Produced at the height of the German Renaissance, the production of affordable, high-quality woodcuts like this one allowed Dürer's artistic influence to spread rapidly. This specific impression is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As with many significant historical prints from this era, The Expulsion from Paradise is an enduring example of Dürer’s skill in narrative illustration, often made available for study through public domain initiatives today.