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Creation of Eve

Creation of Eve is a painted terracotta relief attributed to the young Donatello. It is dated to around 1405 or 1407, or possibly about 1410, and is kept in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in Florence. The work may have come from a lost chest containing Genesis scenes, mentioned by Vasari in connection with Donatello and the Medici. It is considered the earliest known experiment in terracotta covered with ceramic paint, though much of the lead-based coating and cold gilding has been lost. The scene shows God and Eve in an embrace, with Eve standing and holding onto him. The composition recalls Andrea Pisano’s panel on Giotto’s Campanile and shows influence from Lorenzo Ghiberti.

Creation of Eve terracotta relief showing a draped figure embracing a smaller nude figure above a reclining nude figure.
Creation of Eve, a terracotta relief by Donatello, showing a draped figure with two nude figures in a landscape scene.
July 2007 © · CC BY 2.5
Creation of Eve terracotta relief showing a draped figure embracing a smaller nude figure above a reclining nude figure.
Creation of Eve, an octagonal terracotta relief with figures in a tightly carved scene.
May 2020 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Donatello’s Creation of Eve relief in a dark octagonal frame, showing a robed figure embracing a nude figure above a reclining body.
Donatello’s Creation of Eve, a terracotta relief with a robed figure and nude figures in a framed composition.
June 2012 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Creation of Eve terracotta relief in a dark octagonal frame, showing a draped figure embracing a nude figure above a prostrate figure.
The Creation of Eve shown as a painted terracotta relief in an octagonal wooden frame.
June 2012 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Creation of Eve terracotta relief showing two figures embracing within a dark octagonal frame.
Creation of Eve shown as a terracotta relief with two embracing figures in an octagonal wooden frame.
July 2007 © · CC BY 2.5

Identification

TitleCreation of Eve
Original titleLa Creación de Eva
TypeFormella (panel/relief tile)

Historical context

DatePossibly 1405 or 1407, alternatively around 1410
Historical significanceIf dated to 1405 or 1407, it would be Donatello’s earliest known work

Creator

AttributionAttributed to the young Donatello
Attribution historyPreviously attributed to several artists, including Luca della Robbia and Lorenzo Ghiberti
Attribution evidenceA 1404 document attesting Donatello’s presence with Ghiberti in work on the north door of the Florence Baptistery supports the attribution; the profile of Adam also shows analogies with other youthful works by Donatello

Discovery and provenance

Possible original contextPossibly came from a lost cassone with the Stories of Genesis
Possible related objectA chest panel or item from the same chest may also include Stories of Adam and Eve
Related work locationVictoria and Albert Museum, London

Physical characteristics

MaterialTerracotta coated with ceramic paint
Surface treatmentLead-based paint and subsequent cold gilding, now almost completely lost

Technique

TechniqueEarly experiment in terracotta coated with ceramic paint; a precursor to the glazed work later developed by Luca della Robbia

Iconography and meaning

SubjectThe Creation of Eve, showing God embracing Eve
InterpretationThe scene emphasizes a tender, paternal embrace between God and Eve

Appearance

CompositionThe main figures are placed in the same positions as in a tile by Andrea Pisano on Giotto's Campanile
Pose of EveEve is shown standing and embracing God with her arms, unlike Andrea Pisano’s nearly reclining Eve
Stylistic influencesShows influence from Lorenzo Ghiberti’s works, combining classically modeled figures with a typically Gothic rocky landscape

Location and ownership

Current locationMuseo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence

History and restoration

Historical mentionVasari mentions such a work in Donatello’s biography in the Lives as a work intended for the Medici

Significance

Art-historical significanceOne of the earliest experiments in terracotta coated with ceramic varnish, and a precursor to the glazing developed by Luca della Robbia

Other

Associated artists and worksAndrea Pisano, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Luca della Robbia, Vasari, Donatello; Giotto's Campanile; Florence Baptistery north door; Orsanmichele; Santa Croce; the Medici