Edvard Munch
1898
Oil paint on canvas
This work was probably painted in preparation for Metabolism (1898–99, Munch Museum, Oslo), which depicts the biblical
figures Adam and Eve. In this study, Edvard Munch cast Eve as fiery and seductive by accentuating the red of her hair and creating dramatic highlights on her flesh. In contrast to the final painting, however, she covers her breasts and looks down. Perhaps Munch was exploring the moment in the biblical story when, after disobeying God and being
driven from the Garden of Eden, Eve becomes conscious of her nakedness and feels shame for the first time.