GRAVÜR DÜNYASI
Digital Engraving Library
| Date | 1840's |
| Technique | Etching-Mezzotint-Original Hand Colored |
| Category | Religion |
| Source | The Holy Bible containing the Old and New Testaments, The Rev H. Philip & The Rev J. Brown-Printed And Published By A.H.Payne, Leipzig & Dresden -James Hagger, Paternoster Row, London |
This engraving depicts the murder of Abel by Cain, the son of Adam and Eve, in Genesis, chapter 4, verse 8, considered the first murder in human history. God accepted Abel's sacrifice but rejected Cain's, leading Cain to jealously kill his brother. In the engraving, Cain appears next to Abel, who lies lifeless on the ground, frozen in the weight of his crime or looking back in regret. Abel's lifeless body is depicted dramatically on the left, his head thrown back, his body limp and fragile. In the background, two altars stand out. The flame rising from the altar on the left symbolizes the acceptance of Abel's sacrifice to God. The wood seen on the ground in the foreground is the instrument of the murder. This engraving dramatically reflects Cain's remorse, providing a visual representation not only of the moment of a crime but also of spiritual collapse and terror before God. This scene is considered, particularly in Christian iconography, a symbol of the first murder and the degradation of human nature.
