Tintoretto’s “Cain and Abel” at the Accademia Galleries in Venice

Tintoretto (1518 – 31 May 1594) “Cain and Abel”

Tintoretto, Cain and Abel, at the Accademia Galleries in Venice, Italy

Tintoretto, Cain and Abel Oil on canvas (149 x 196 cm) 1550–1553

This painting depicts the extreme violence of a murder.

Cain shows his determination by pressing Abel against his knee whilst clutching his neck and head to immobilise him so as to stab him more effectively.

His sombre face, turned towards his victim, is that of a merciless murderer in the act of killing his brother just as he would any animal.

Cain’s face does indeed show no particular expression; he is calm and focused on carrying out what he has decided to do without asking himself any questions.

Tintoretto, Cain and Abel Cain’s composure emphasises the violence of his actions and the horror of the scene unfolding before our eyes.

Only Abel behaves like a normal human being, trying to escape from Cain, who has just knocked him to the ground and is holding him down with all his might.

The struggle of their naked bodies contrasts with the landscape surrounding them, a landscape reminiscent of Tintoretto’s painting depicting the temptation of Adam and Eve.

A rural and gentle setting contrasting with the darkness of a heinous crime.

Tintoretto, Cain and Abel