Nicholas Lochoff (d.1948) after

Masaccio (Florentine, 1401-1428?)
ADAM AND EVE EXPELLED FROM PARADISE

Original (probably 1425) in the Brancaccl Chapel, Sta. Maria del Carmine, Florence, Fresco

Masaccio's technique shows the roughness and lack of grace that was said by Vasari to be part of his character. Here Adam and Eve walk through the Gate of Paradise into the harsh emptiness beyond, as directed by an angel. They have eaten from the Tree of Knowledge, and have learned of their mortality. Masaccio, by using a revolutionary deep shadowing that created mass in the figures, implied that they walk the earth as normal man and woman. Here, the painter's style suited the subject, and gave it life. Compare with the Temptation by Masolino which hangs nearby.

Text by Robert Gerwing.
Copyright 2004.