Adam
Sculpture, free-standing, life-size statue • Tullio Lombardo (Italian, Venice, ca. 1455–1532)
Style & Movement
Venetian High Renaissance / Early Modern Classicism
Medium & Technique
Carrara marble; subtractive carving with high polishing and intricate drilling for the hair and tree trunk
Creation Period
circa 1490–1495
Dimensions & Format
Height: 74 5/8 in. (209.6 cm); life-size vertical format
Subject Description
The biblical first man, Adam, depicted in a classical contrapposto. He holds the forbidden fruit (apple) in his left hand while his right hand rests on a tree trunk supporting his weight. A fig leaf serves as a modest cover. The work incorporates classical Greek and Roman idealism, particularly influenced by the Apollo Belvedere.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good (Post-Restoration); the statue underwent a major conservation project following a catastrophic fall in 2002.
Estimated Market Value
Invaluable / $80,000,000 - $120,000,000 (Estimate based on its status as one of the most important Renaissance sculptures outside of Italy)
Auction Estimate
N/A (Institutional masterpiece; if auctioned, likely to exceed $100 million)
Provenance History
Commissioned for the tomb of Doge Andrea Vendramin in the church of Santa Maria dei Servi, Venice; moved to the church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo in the 19th century; sold into private collection (Pereire) in 1865; acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1936.
Art Historical Significance
This is the first monumental nude statue of the Renaissance carved in a strictly classical style. It represents a pivotal moment when Venetian art synthesized antique sculpture with humanistic ideals. It is considered Tullio Lombardo's masterpiece and a landmark in the history of Western art.
Notable Features
Features the artist's signature 'TVLLII LOMBARDI O' on the base. The intricate carving of the vine-wrapped tree trunk and the delicate, curly hair shows exceptional technical virtuosity and deep understanding of Hellenistic aesthetic.
Condition Issues
The sculpture was smashed into 28 large fragments and hundreds of small pieces in 2002 after its pedestal collapsed. Visible hairline seams exist where fragments were reattached, though largely mitigated by expert conservation.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain strictly controlled humidity (45-50% RH) and temperature. Use seismic-stable mounting. Periodic surface dusting with soft brushes and micro-suction; avoid any chemical solvents that may affect the historic surface or modern adhesives.