Anthon Joseph Von Prenner

ANTON JOSEPH VON PRENNER (1683-1761) from a painting by Badoanino
"Adam and Eve".
Colour engraving from the 19th century.
It presents humidity stains, folds, wrinkles and dirt.
Size: 25 x 31 cm (print); 31 x 37.5 cm (paper).
The author of this work conceived the representation of the theme of "The Original Sin", through an engraving formed by Eve, the serpent and Adam. The whole is set in a leafy landscape. The figure of Eve, with her long blonde hair, appears to be talking to the serpent behind the image of Adam. Adam, whose physical features make him appear older than Eve, reaches out his hand to the apple she is holding. According to the biblical story narrated in Genesis 2:16-17. God placed Adam and Eve, and to test their faithfulness and obedience gave them the command to eat of all the fruits of the tree of the garden, except one, called the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (but did not forbid them to eat of the tree of life) indicating to Adam and Eve that, if they ate the fruits of it, they would die. The serpent in the Garden of Eden who knew of this prohibition took advantage of this one rule; and thus tempted and deceived Eve, who ate of the forbidden fruit. Eve seeing that it was "good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and indeed a tree to be desired to make one wise," gave it also to her husband to eat.