Noah and His Family Leaving the Ark

Bonasone employed engraving techniques that emphasize chiaroscuro, using fine lines and cross‑hatching to model light and shadow. The contrast between the darkened interior of the ark and the brighter, open landscape creates depth, while the intricate detailing of animal fur and feather adds realism within the Renaissance aesthetic derived from Raphael’s original design.

The print is based on a composition by Raphael, adapted by Bonasone for a mid‑16th‑century audience. Produced in 1550, it reflects the period’s interest in biblical subjects rendered with classical compositional balance. Copies of the work circulated among collectors of religious prints, contributing to Bonasone’s reputation as a skilled interpreter of master drawings.