MICHELANGELO Buonarroti
(b. 1475, Caprese, d. 1564, Roma)

The Fall and Expulsion from Garden of Eden (detail)

1509-10
Fresco
Cappella Sistina, Vatican

It is striking that the cherub with the raised sword pointing the way out, although in flight and strongly foreshortened, appears a twin of the tempter and, like her, issues from the tree (the Tree of Life).