An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Creation of the World and the Expulsion from ParadiseGiovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia)
Italian, Siena 1398–1482 Siena
1445
Overall: 18 1/4 × 20 1/2 in. (46.4 × 52.1 cm)
Painting
Tempera and gold on wood
Robert Lehman Collection
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
In Giovanni di Paolo's enchanting artwork, "The Creation of the World and the Expulsion from Paradise," the viewer is drawn into a profound narrative of beginnings and loss. On the left, God majestically reaches down, symbolizing the act of creation. His heavenly presence, with flowing robes and wings, introduces a sense of divine authority and grace.
The swirling colors and the circular design of the world highlight the meticulous balance of nature. The lush landscape nestled within that circle teems with life, representing the beauty and order established at the dawn of time.
On the right, we witness Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, a moment filled with both innocence and impending consequence. Their gentle interaction signifies harmony before the fall—revealing a snapshot of paradise. However, the looming trees, filled with vibrant flowers and rich foliage, hint at the beauty that will soon give way to sorrow.
This artwork captures the duality of existence: the peace of creation contrasting with the introspective moment before their expulsion. The viewer is left contemplating the fragility of paradise and the profound journey of humanity from innocence to awareness—a narrative that resonates deeply through the ages.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
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