Lot Torelli, Adam and Eve

Information
Information
Date
1874-1886
Collocation
Museo dell'Ottocento
Original location
Cathedral, facade, aedicules of the tympanum of the left portal
Material
White marble
Technique
Sculpture
Dimensions
Height: 100 cm ca.;
Material
White marble

This pair of statues depicting the progenitors of humanity, Adam and Eve, was originally installed in the pinnacles of the right door of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The sculptures were made by Lot Torelli at the time of construction of the new Cathedral facade, directed by De Fabris in the mid to late 19th century. In 1879, the sculptor had provided two plaster models for placement, but within less than a decade these were ruined. Torelli asked for them back, and once prepared, in 1886, these marble copies were placed on the facade. The figures are depicted in the realist style of the time. Adam hangs his head and keeps his hands folded; he is dressed in hides and behind his right leg we can see the tree of knowledge. Eve hides her face with her palms, in shame and despair for having eaten the forbidden fruit offered by the serpent, shown at her feet. The story of the progenitors and the original sin is narrated in the book of Genesis, the first of the Bible. In keeping with the iconographic program suggested to De Fabris by the philosopher Augusto Conti, the two figures were placed next to the relief of the Ecce Homo by Augusto Passaglia, located in the cusp of the portal; the intent was to symbolise the need for the Passion to redeem the Original Sin, with which this man and woman stained all of descendant humanity.

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Museo dell'Ottocento