Creation of Eve
1529
Medium
Engraving; first state
Dimensions
sheet: 6 3/8 x 4 5/8 in. (16.2 x 11.7 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1933
Accession Number
33.56.1
Tags
Art Historical Context
In the intimate engraving *Creation of Eve* (1529), Dutch artist Lucas van Leyden captures a pivotal biblical moment from Genesis: God forming Eve from Adam's rib Adam slumbers nearby. Measuring just 6 3/8 x 4 5/8 inches, this first-state impression exemplifies van Leyden's mastery of Northern Renaissance printmaking tradition. A prodigy who rivaled Albrecht Dürer in technical finesse, van Leyden produced highly detailed works on small copper plates, allowing for widespread dissemination of religious narratives during the early 16th century—a time when prints bridged the gap between elite pain...
About the Artist
Lucas van Leyden · 1484–1533
Lucas van Leyden (1494–1533) was a Dutch painter and printmaker who stands among the greatest engravers of the Northern Renaissance. Born in Leiden as either Lucas Hugensz or Lucas Jacobsz, he lived and worked primarily in his native city, achieving international renown that rivaled the German master Albrecht Dürer. Lucas van Leyden revolutionized Netherlandish printmaking and was among the first...