Temptation of Adam

Edgar Tolson, Temptation of Adam, 1974, carved and painted wood, 14 ³⁄₄ x 12 ¹⁄₄ x 8 in. (37.5 x 31.1 x 20.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.272

Artwork Details

Title: Temptation of Adam
Artist: Edgar Tolson
Date: 1974
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 14 ³⁄₄ x 12 ¹⁄₄ x 8 in. (37.5 x 31.1 x 20.3 cm.)
Credit Line: Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums: poplar
cedar
Mediums Description: carved and painted wood
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Animal — reptile — snake
State of being — evil — temptation
Landscape — tree — apple tree
Religion — Old Testament — Eve
Religion — Old Testament — Adam
Object Number: 1986.65.272
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1986.65.272

Artwork Description

Edgar Tolson created around a hundred carvings that show Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He believed that this event, along with the crucifixion of Christ, was one of the most important in history because it symbolized human weakness. (Michael D. Hall, "You Make It with Your Mind," The Clarion, 1987) In this piece, Tolson left the wood bare to symbolize the innocence of the first couple, but painted the snake black to highlight the devil's wickedness.