Edgardo Gonzalez-Lopez

During a recent visit to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, I was captivated by Thomas Cole's "The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden."

The painting's symmetry, the cave in the middle, and the striking contrast between light and darkness immediately drew my attention. Upon closer inspection I spotted the tiny figures crossing the bridge, walking away from the cave – Adam and Eve. What an unusual way to illustrate this biblical story! Shouldn’t they be the center of attention?

“Thomas Cole (1801-1848) was an American artist and early environmentalist. He was the founder of the influential art movement known today as the Hudson River School of American landscape painting.” https://thomascole.org/

Cole's enthusiasm for the unspoiled American landscape, is evident in this work. Perhaps this explains why nature itself seems to be the main character in the painting, especially the interplay of light and darkness, a duality that is present in all aspects of life.

As a Freemason, I find this contrast intriguing. Is it a mere coincidence that the bright side is on the right and the dark side on the left, mirror the traditional representation of East and West? Then of course, the bright side on the painting represents the Garden of Eden with vibrant colors and lush trees, while the other side appears desolate. Perhaps this is a representation of Cole’s interpretation of human impact on nature, also symbolized in Adam and Eve being already on this dark side. In our modern world, we can clearly see those effects in the environment, and there lies the power of art – this connection allows the artist to “speak” to us across time.

Now, in my opinion, both sides of the painting are still part of the same landscape, right? Yes, of course, there is the cave in the middle that apparently separates both sides but even that cave has a limit in its peak. The celestial canopy above is the same and unifies all elements. So, what is the reason for this apparent separation of light and darkness? Well, that is precisely the mystery that we humans face and likely a question that Adam and Eve would ask themselves in the scene, feeling very small in front of nature and its mysteries.

One thing is certain: this question motivates us to continue seeking Truth and “find our way back to that Garden of Eden” and experience the Divine Presence at the center that connects everything. For Freemasons, this pursuit holds particular significance, as Truth stands as one of our core principles, alongside Relief and Brotherly Love. And just as an artist like Thomas Cole can communicate across generations through his art, these essential Masonic principles have been conveyed through symbols for centuries, forming an unbroken chain of wisdom and tradition.

The next time you visit the Museum of the Fine Arts, be sure to seek out this painting, I assure you it will be worth your time!

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