The piece entitled The Snake Men and the
Apple Tree (Panel/Scene #4) is my interpretation of the Edenic creature described in
the third book of Genesis. The snake can be considered as one of the oldest and
most renowned symbols in history; at times described as a symbol of fertility,
knowledge, and power (good and evil).
The Edenic snake is not far from any common symbolisms, as the snake tells Eve in
the book of Genesis 03:05; “For God knows
that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God,
knowing good and evil” alluding to the power of knowledge.
Including the snake in the
Sin series was obviously necessary since the snake has been attributed as the
catalyst of all evil “Sin” although many believe that the snake represents the
devil she/he does not get label as such till Revelation 12:9; 20:2. Many artists have depicted the snake on
the tree either literally as a snake or figuratively as a humanoid (half human
half snake). It seems that throughout times artist have opted to illustrate the
snake/humanoid with a women torso over that of a male. In some cases when the
humanoid is portrait as men he will have the appearance of a demon like figure,
intimidating and repulsive, as opposed to a female torso where the humanoid
then will look inviting, seductive, and pleasant.
Antonio Fonseca Vázquez. The Snake Men and the Apple Tree. Drawing, mixed media on paper. 50” X 60”, 2008
Giving my snake a male torso
is to maintain uniformity with my interpretation of sexual innuendos throughout
the series. I believe as I explained with my portraits of Adam and Eve that the
snake is a symbol, an extension of Adams sexuality (penis). I sustain my
interpretation that Adam might have been the first to entice Eve to his
sexuality and that by consummating sexual pleasures and eating the forbidden
fruit (Eve) that they became aware of each other’s humanity and vulnerability
towards God. My humanoid is hidden behind the shadows of an apple tree, muscular
in a confrontational posture demanding authority over humanity, virile full of
sexual anger as it taunts, mocks the sin of Lust.
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Caneday, Ardel B. Four
Views on the Historical Adam (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology). Zondervan
(November 26, 2013).
Jacobs, Alan. Original Sin: A Cultural History. Harper One;
Reprint edition (April 28, 2009).Anderson, Gary A. Sin: A History. Yale University Press (August 31, 2010).
Wiley, Tatha. Original Sin: Origins, Developments, Contemporary Meanings. Paulist Press (November 1, 2002).
Pagels, Elaine. Adam, Eve, and the Serpent: Sex and Politics in Early Christianity. Vintage; Vintage Books ed edition (September 19, 1989).
Pagels Elaine. The Gnostic Gospels. Vintage; 1st Vintage Bks Ed, Sept. 1989 edition (September 19, 1989).
Toorn, Karel Van Der. Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible (Ddd). Brill Academic Pub; 2nd Rev edition (October 1998).
