Adam and Eve in Paradise The Fall was a popular subject as it provided artists with a legitimate excuse to depict a completely naked man and woman, a beautiful landscape, and all kinds of animals, highlighting their skills as well as the wonders of Creation. König’s rendition shows the actual moment of the Fall, when Eve has plucked a forbidden fruit for herself and hands another to Adam. The Tree of Knowledge is occupied not only by the serpent that tempted Eve to disobey God’s command, but also a peacock symbolising Pride – one of the Seven Deadly Sins – which led to expulsion from Eden and humanity’s downfall.

Johann König (1586 –1642)

Nuremberg, Germany, c.1629

Oil on copper

Given by O. Ault in memory of her father, Norman Ault, 1974 (PD.63-1974)