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The Creation
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Hans Holbein’s <em>Dance of Death</em> series, a collection of 41 prints, begins with this scene of the sixth day of Creation, when, according to Genesis, humankind was made. Here, a menagerie of animals crowd around in awe as God stoops to pull Eve from Adam’s side. From above, the moon, sun, and winds witness the birth. Eve is figured in this print as a fully formed, adult woman, though, much like the tree limbs behind her, she branches off from her partner, suggesting her origin from Adam’s rib. The pair is unaware of their nakedness, a sign of humanity’s then sinless state.
| Artist / Maker | Hans Holbein the Younger |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 1526 |
| Culture / Origin | Germany |
| Medium | woodcut |
| Dimensions | Sheet: 7.1 x 4.8 cm (2 13/16 x 1 7/8 in.) |
| Department | Prints |
| Type |
About the Artist
Hans Holbein the Younger (German, active England and Switzerland, 1497/98–1543) Full biography →
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.
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