Oil Paintings Reproductions

About The Artist - Albrecht Durer (May 21, 1471 - April 6, 1528)

Albrecht Dürer was a German painter and mathematician and is considered one of the greatest creators of old master prints along with Rembrandt.

About The Painting - Adam and Eve

Albrecht Dürer is, without a shred of doubt, the greatest proponent of Northern European Renaissance art. Though an accomplished painter, Dürer was most famous for his graphic works. So powerful was the influence of his works, that artists from all over Europe admired and replicated his innovative and brilliant prints that had various themes such as religious, mythological, exotic etc.

Exemplary in detail and technically accurate, Durer's prints such as Adam and Eve have gained iconic status today. Durer's Adam and Eve are a study in precision, perfection in human form, and harmony in composition. Adam's complexion is slightly darker and hair wavy, while Eve's complexion is brighter and hair straighter. Adam is depicted as having slender legs; the right heel is shown as lifted off the ground and in perfect balance, according to the classical principle of Polycletus, the contrapposto, which was rediscovered in the early Renaissance period.

Adam's figure is outstretched in an amorous movement, and has slightly parted lips; perhaps the only indication of the initial and instinctive hesitation on Adam's part is the gesture of his right hand. Eve, on the other hand, is more active, more solid. She shows no inhibition as she takes a step while casting an inviting look at Adam; Eve is also smiling ever so gently. Both Adam and Eve are turning towards each other slightly.

It seems as if the sole purpose of creating this presentation of the first couple is to sing the praises of their beauty. Not only did Durer give both figures life and perfect form, but he actually achieved unmatched perfection in actualizing the finest representation of the human form in centuries.