Adam and Eve at the Foot of the Cross

Claude Mellan

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts two nude figures in a complex scene. The male figure, on the left, is muscular with a full beard and curly hair, lying on the ground with his head tilted back. The female figure, on the right, sits with one arm raised behind her head, long flowing hair, and delicate features. Both have modesty leaves and vines covering some areas. In the background, there is a stone tablet with Latin inscriptions partly obscured by clouds, a reaching skeleton, stylized clouds, and chains on the ground around the male figure.