The second Eve; Analyzing the relationship between Mary and Eve in Christian theology and its representation in paintings

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Women's Studies, Faculty of social sciences and economics, Alzahra University

2 Faculty of Women's studies, University of Religions and Denominations

10.22051/jjh.2023.43288.1958

Abstract

This research focusing on the theme of " Mary (PBUH) as second Eve" aims at representing the relation of these two characters in Christian theology and in the art of painting. This study by the analytical method and exploration of library documents and works of art, shows that such a theme in Christian theology is completely rooted and frequent, and it is abundantly reflected in the art. This article concludes that the depiction of Mary as the opposite of Eve is the main element of this theme: Eve is tempting, naked and disobedient, but Mary is a virgin, covered and submissive; With her sin, Eve brings death to the human race, and Mary is the passage of immortality and life; Eve listens to words of the devil and drags Adam down, but Mary becomes pregnant of the word of God and brings man to the heavens.
Eve is the concubine of the serpent as a representative of the devil and accepts the apple by his trick, but Mary tramples the serpent under her feet and is the savior. Also, according to Christian theology, if the first Eve misled her husband Adam, Mary was the mother and nurturer of Jesus (PBUH) in the body of the second Eve, whom some Christian commentators interpret as the second Adam; In a sense, being the first and second Eve of each of these two female characters is in the shadow of the first and second Adam, one of whom provides the cause of the downfall and the other initiates salvation by giving birth.

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Main Subjects

Glory of Art (Jelve-y Honar) Alzahra Scientific Quarterly Journal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 May 2024

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