Figure21-7, Adam and Eve,Albrect Durer

     Albrect Durer was 32 years old when he engraved this piece. It illustrates his incredible skill as an artist, which was the result of early childhood education. He studied woodcuts, goldsmithing, painting, and stained glass design. What a childhood that must have been. Can you imagine how fun that would be to study artistry and increase your skill? No wonder his techniques are so amazing. He also traveled, which must have been exciting too. I guess he felt a calling inside of him to discover and create. 

       This engraving carries many symbols and hidden meanings. It is a beautiful rendering of Adam and Eve at the edge of a forest/Garden of Eden. The trees are meticulously engraved to show depth and atmospheric perspective. Eve's hair resembles the technique of drillwork,from earlier Roman sculpture,where the flow of her hair is defined as overflowing and textured. The soft shading of darkness on their bodies does look sculptured and another example's of Durer's skill. I'm amazed that the engraving can be so precise and measured. It's a religious theme which makes one question-was Eve framed?