Part A and Part B

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In this first portion of the assignment you are asked to analyze the iconography of the artworks listed below. Defined in the textbook, iconography is an understanding of the subject matter and symbols of an artwork (Stokstad and Cothern, 2016, pg. 6).

Compare and contrast the function of the above works. Focus your analysis on how each artwork functioned spiritually and/or politically in their original context

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Art History

Part A

The Adam and Eve, Albrecht Dürer engraving presents a context of understanding the biblical creation story. The male and female characters appear not to shy off at being naked as was initially the case in the Garden of Eden. However, it is worth noting that the woman appears to hold the fruit, which explains the original sin that cast the two out of the garden. Notably, the two have their backs facing what appears to be a forest, and one could interpret the same as the incident in which the two left the comfort of the Garden of Eden. Ultimately, the different symbols and their placement in the artwork have been carefully fit to ensure that they pass the message of the entire story to the audience at a glance. Putting the two human characters at the forefront and on opposing sides of the snake, with the woman holding the fruit is in no way a coincidence but a way through which the artist told the entire story of the Garden of Eden experience and consequent dismissal.

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