The Departure Of Cain, Gen. Ch. 4. V.16.

Description

This engraving depicts the story of Cain's death in Genesis, Chapter 4, verses 8 through 16, of the Old Testament. After killing his brother Abel, Cain is cursed by God and condemned to wander the earth. Cain leaves God's presence and goes to the land of Nod. The central figure is Cain. His head is turned upward, his right hand covering his eyes, and he gazes heavenward in despair and regret. This is a portrait of a sinner exiled from God's presence. The presence of Cain's wife and children at his side is a sign that Cain's lineage and exile on earth will continue. The shaft of light rising from the dark clouds in the background represents God's judgmental gaze, or divine justice. This scene emphasizes that the first murder in human history was not just a physical crime, but a sin against God's order, and that this sin ceased to be an individual act and became a curse affecting the entire lineage. Additionally, smaller scenes are adorned around the edges of the composition. The left-hand scene depicts the moment when Eve offers Adam the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, marking the beginning of what is considered humanity's first sin. On the other side, the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise is depicted. The two figures, heads bowed, walk sorrowfully out of the Gates of Paradise. Behind them, an angel guards the exit with a sword.