Noah's Ark Through the Eyes of Masters: A Journey into three Renowned Paintings

The tale of Noah's Ark, a biblical narrative from the Book of Genesis, has inspired countless artists throughout history. In this blog, we embark on a visual journey through four famous paintings depicting Noah's Ark, exploring the background, biblical origins, introducing the artists, and unraveling the unique qualities that make each masterpiece exceptional. 

Here is the description from the Bible: 

Genesis 

6:5   And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6:6   And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

6:7   And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

6:8   But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

6:9   These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

6:10   And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

6:11   The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

6:12   And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

6:13   And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

6:14   Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

6:15   And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

6:16   A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

6:17   And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.

6:18   But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.

6:19   And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.

6:20   Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.

6:21   And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.

6:22   Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

Appreciation of Biblical Masterpieces 1 - "Noah's Ark" by Edward Hicks

Background:

Edward Hicks, an American folk painter, created multiple versions of paintings featuring Noah's Ark. One of the most famous is simply titled "Noah's Ark," reflecting Hicks's unique folk art style.

Biblical Origins:

The source of inspiration is the same biblical narrative of Noah's Ark found in Genesis, but Hicks interprets it through a distinctive lens.

What's Exceptional:

Hicks's "Noah's Ark" is celebrated for its charming folk art aesthetic. The simplicity of the composition and the recurring theme in his various versions make this piece endearing and timeless. 

Appreciation of Biblical Masterpieces 2 - "The Animals Entering Noah's Ark" by Jacopo Bassano

Background:

Italian Renaissance painter Jacopo Bassano created "The Animals Entering Noah's Ark," a detailed and colorful portrayal of the animals entering the ark.

Biblical Origins:

The narrative is rooted in Genesis 6-9, where Noah gathers pairs of every animal to enter the ark before the flood.

What's Exceptional:

Bassano's painting stands out for its vibrant color palette and meticulous detail. The composition effectively captures the ordered chaos of the animal procession into the ark.

Appreciation of Biblical Masterpieces 3 - "The Construction of Noah's Ark" by Jacopo Bassano

Background:

Jacopo da Ponte Bassano's "The Construction of Noah's Ark" portrays the scene of building the ark.

Biblical Origins:

Inspired by the same biblical narrative in Genesis, emphasizing the construction process of Noah's Ark.

Unique Aspects:

This painting stands out for its vivid depiction and meticulous portrayal of the construction process, bringing viewers into the scene of this crucial biblical moment. 

Conclusion:

Through these three masterpieces, we witness diverse interpretations and artistic brilliance inspired by the story of Noah's Ark. Each artist brings a unique perspective, capturing the essence of this biblical narrative in ways that resonate across time and cultures.