Adam and Eve after the Fall/

The Sacrifices of Cain and Abel

Oils on canvas

41 x 51 cm

In antique frames (with defects) 50 x 60 cm.

This pair of interesting paintings, entitled ‘Adam and Eve after the Fall’ and ‘The Sacrifices of Cain and Abel’, are pictorial adaptations of two early engravings by the Flemish master Johann Sadler I.

In particular, these works belong to a famous series from 1583 entitled Boni et Mali Scientia ** (Knowledge of Good and Evil), engraved by Sadler based on designs by the Flemish painter Maarten De Vos (Antwerp 1532–1603) following his formative travels in Italy, particularly in Venice, Rome and Florence.

This sequence of extraordinary compositions illustrates the crucial moments of Genesis, from the consequences of original sin to the subsequent history of the first humans and the origins of humanity.

In this instance, the first painting depicts the harsh life of our first parents following their expulsion from the Garden of Eden: in the centre, Adam toils to till the barren earth, symbolising the divine condemnation to manual labour, whilst Eve, inside a rudimentary hut, cares for her young sons, Cain and Abel.

In the background is a beautiful natural landscape rich in botanical detail, which preserves intact the idyllic vision of the Garden of Eden, populated by numerous animal species, including a camel, a unicorn and a stork – typical of the Flemish tradition influenced by the celebrated motifs of the Brueghel masters. Bathed in the golden light of Eden, the small nude figures of Adam and Eve stand out, captured in a state of purity and total harmony with nature, before the spiritual fall; above them stands the Archangel Michael, who will herald the end of their idyll.

The second work, by contrast, depicts the prelude to the dramatic events centring on the two sons of Adam and Eve, as they prepare to offer the fruits of their labour to God.

Cain is, in fact, a farmer and offers the fruits of the earth to God: the smoke from his sacrifice, however, is dark, dense and curls downwards, symbolising divine rejection. Beside him stands his brother Abel, a shepherd, kneeling before an altar upon which he is sacrificing a lamb from his flock. The smoke from his altar rises straight and lightly towards the heavens, where the figure of God the Father can be glimpsed amongst the clouds, favourably accepting the offering.

In the background, we can catch a glimpse of the tragic events to come, with Cain, overcome by jealousy, killing his brother. Beside them is the hut in which their parents, Adam and Eve, are resting.

The style of these works shows close affinities with the compositions of Marten de Vos, who skilfully blended traditional Flemish taste with Italianate characteristics.

The pleasing quality of the works, characterised by a soft rendering and an intense colour palette, suggests that they were likely produced within the master’s workshop or created by a skilled painter belonging to the large group of followers influenced by his style – in which case, inspired precisely by Sadeler I’s etching. Many prints of his works regularly served as graphic models for the painters and collaborators in his circle, who transposed his graphic designs onto canvases and panels intended for private Flemish collections.

** Sadeler Johann I (Brussels, 1550 – Venice, 1601)

BONI ET MALI SCIENTIA

Engraver: Sadeler Johann I (1550/1601)/Designer: De Vos Marten (1532/1603–1604)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The paintings are complete with two attractive antique frames and are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.

We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional, insured carriers.

Should you wish to view this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you!

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