I just got sucked into a Wikipedia vortex, and came across this painting called The Garden of Eden, from the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry (a prayer book). It was painted in the early 1400s. (The Wikipedia page containing the Garden of Eden concerns the “international gothic” style of painting.)
I found the painting particularly moving… I don’t know why, except it made me think of what it’s like to have a super shitty childhood. Basically, you got shat on by the universe and kicked out of Eden, into an emotional wasteland where you must fend for yourself and feel ashamed, all the time.
I always felt bad for Adam and Eve– what kind of god would punish his naive creations for their curiosity? If I were god, I would’ve said, “Now, did you check your native plant guide first before eating that? Okay you did? Well good for you, you found your own food!” Sure, kick them out of your protected garden and make them ashamed of their bodies. Way to go, god.
I take particular exception to the portrayal of the snake using the visage of Eve herself. Nice. (Even though that is a gorgeous mythical animal!)
I just feel so bad for Adam and Eve, getting shown the door, on the right of the painting. Look at Adam, with his hurt expression… look at Eve, with her terribly unrealistic breasts and blank expression. (Maybe she’s in shock?)
I feel ya, guys.
But man, that is one gorgeous painting. I aspire to be able to do something like that.
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