---
title: Cain Slaying Abel
author: Peter Paul Rubens
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14613/cain-slaying-abel/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Cain Slaying Abel

_Authored by Peter Paul Rubens_

## Image File

[![Cain Slaying Abel](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14613.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14613.jpg)

## Image Caption

Cain Slaying Abel, oil on oak wood painting by Peter [Paul](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Paul/) Rubens, produced between 1608 and 1609.

Courtauld Institute of Art, London.

[Cain and Abel](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1831/cain--abel/) were sons of the first humans Adam and Eve in the biblical [Book of Genesis](https://www.worldhistory.org/Book_of_Genesis/). Cain was a farmer, and Abel was a shepherd. They both made sacrifices to [God](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/). However, God preferred Abel's sacrifice over Cain's. Driven by jealousy, Cain murdered Abel, which according to [Bible](https://www.worldhistory.org/bible/) was the first murder in history. This resulted in Cain being sent to exile.

## External Links

- [Peter Paul Rubens: Learn About the Influential Flemish Baroque Painter](https://mymodernmet.com/peter-paul-rubens-paintings/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Rubens, P. P. (2021, September 13). Cain Slaying Abel. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14613/cain-slaying-abel/>
### Chicago
Rubens, Peter Paul. "Cain Slaying Abel." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 13, 2021. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14613/cain-slaying-abel/>.
### MLA
Rubens, Peter Paul. "Cain Slaying Abel." *World History Encyclopedia*, 13 Sep 2021, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14613/cain-slaying-abel/>.

## License & Copyright

[Original image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peter_Paul_Rubens_-_Cain_slaying_Abel_(Courtauld_Institute).jpg) by [**Peter Paul Rubens**](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peter_Paul_Rubens_-_Cain_slaying_Abel_(Courtauld_Institute).jpg). Submitted by [Celina Bebenek](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/celinacyprianbe/ "User Page: Celina Bebenek"), published on 13 September 2021. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.