Scene
An armed angel drives Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden after they eat the forbidden fruit. They move diagonally downward from a dark, arched gate into a barren, stony landscape.
Expulsion from the Garden of Eden
Masaccio
1425
Figures
Adam is a muscular figure who covers his face with both hands to express shame. Eve covers her body and throws her head back in a cry of anguish, while a hovering angel gestures emphatically with a weapon.
Symbolism
The dark gate with inner light marks the boundary between Paradise and the fallen world. The barren landscape outside suggests the harshness of life after exile, while the figures' gestures convey grief and guilt.
Craft
Masaccio used a consistent light source and strong shadows to model the figures, making their bodies appear solid and three-dimensional.
Impact
The fresco is considered a landmark of Early Renaissance painting for its emotional intensity and naturalism. It remains a powerful image of grief and shame that continues to resonate with viewers.
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