Illustrated manuscript of Genesis : Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

Maker William Blake (British, 1757 - 1827)

Additional Title(s)

Illustrated manuscript of Genesis : The Creation of Adam and Eve
Genesis manuscript [no. 6 of 11 leaves]

Collections

William Blake Collection

ClassificationsDRAWINGS

Dateca. 1826-1827

Mediumpencil and pen or brush on wove paper

Dimensionsimage including text: 11 5/8 x 7 7/8 in. (29.5 x 20 cm.) headpiece: 3 3/4 x 7 7/8 in. (9.5 x 20 cm.) sheet: 15 1/16 x 11 in. (38.2 x 28 cm.)

DescriptionText of Genesis 2:1-13. Verse 1 through first ten lines of verse 5 in green pencil, design and remainder of text in pencil only. Blake's chapter heading seems to serve as a caption for the design above it. In the center is Adam, seated on the surface of the earth and with hands raised as if in surprise or bewilderment. Behind him is the bearded figure of God the Father. To the left is a figure hovering in the sky with his legs drawn up as if seated, and with slight suggestions of large wings. Even the basic features of his face are not defined; he may be another member of the Trinity, an angelic attendant like those on leaf 3, or even an adumbration of Satan. The fourth figure, on the right, is Eve, "divided" from a presumably androgynous Adam to create the two sexes. She appears to rise in a diagonal line toward the top right corner with her feet hidden by, or just emerging from, Adam's left hip and thigh. A few long and twisting pencil strokes on each side and partly over the figural group roughly suggest the two trees of Eden Blake names in his chapter heading as another indication of the fall into division. A few circular shapes above the figures right and left may be fruit dangling from branches.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Status

Not on view

Object number000.37

Terms