Temptation of Adam [1 of 17 Prints]

Artist James Barry (1741 - 1806)

Date1808

MediumEngraving on paper

Dimensions68.2 x 41 cm

ClassificationsPrint

Credit LineCollection & image © Hugh Lane Gallery. Donated by Eugene L. Clarke, 1963.

Object number1185.01

DescriptionFirst print of seventeen in 'A series of etchings by James Barry Esq. From his Original and Justly Celebrated Paintings in the Great Room of the Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.'

Although the prints have been bound with the title 'A Series of Etchings ...' They are in fact engravings (intaglio prints).

This print shows a naked man (Adam) and woman (Eve) standing in an idyllic landscape, surrounded by lush vegetation. Eve is leaning up against Adam, looking towards his face and gently touching his right hand with hers, as if imploring him to take a bite of the apple in his hand. Adam is looking away, with a concerned expression on his face, his left hand resting on his temple as if deep in thought. There is a snake on the ground; its tail touching Eve’s right shin, and it is eating a half eaten apple. The body structure of the two figures is reminiscent of the work of Michelangelo. There is a quotation from John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' below the image.

There is a painting by Barry in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland entitled 'The Temptation of Adam' (1767-1770, oil on canvas, 233 x 183 cm), depicting the same scene, the only significant difference being the musculature of Adam, which is much smoother in the painting.

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