Artwork

Noah's Sacrifice after the Deluge

Noah's Sacrifice after the Deluge, by Unknown, unspecified, 1650
Noah's Sacrifice after the Deluge, by Unknown, unspecified, 1650

Noah's Sacrifice after the Deluge is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Unknown. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The canvas depicts the biblical moment after the flood when Noah offers a sacrifice.

About this work

Overview

The canvas depicts the biblical moment after the flood when Noah offers a sacrifice. Central to the composition is a massive brown cow, surrounded by an assortment of household items—pots, pans, and a blue cloth—while a variety of animals such as goats, sheep, and a cat populate the surrounding space. The overall scene conveys disorder, rendered in muted, earth‑toned hues.

Subject & Meaning

The work interprets the post‑deluge offering, emphasizing the abundance of life that survived the waters. By placing the cow at the focal point, the artist highlights the sacrificial animal, while the scattered domestic objects suggest the restoration of daily life and gratitude for survival.

Technique & Style

Employing chiaroscuro, the painter creates depth through stark contrasts of light and shadow, giving the figures a three‑dimensional presence. The subdued palette of browns and muted colors reinforces the somber, reflective mood of the narrative.

History & Provenance

No further provenance details are provided for this painting; its title and subject place it within the tradition of biblical genre scenes that were popular in European art from the Renaissance onward.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known