Artwork

The Two Sons of Noah

The Two Sons of Noah, by Michelangelo, 1490
The Two Sons of Noah, by Michelangelo, 1490

The Two Sons of Noah is a print by the Renaissance artist Michelangelo. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Two Sons of Noah is a print on paper based on a fresco by Michelangelo, depicting a scene from the biblical account of Noah's drunkenness, focusing on Noah's two sons.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates a specific moment from the biblical narrative, where one son, muscular with curly hair, gestures towards a broken tree trunk with an attached paper or cloth, while the other son is bent forward, with the first son's arm resting on his back. The composition conveys a sense of movement and interaction between the two figures.

Technique & Style

Characterized by sharp lines and deep shadows, the print exemplifies Renaissance stylistic conventions, emphasizing strong, realistic forms. This technique was typical in Renaissance prints to achieve a sense of muscularity and dynamism.

History & Provenance

Derived from Michelangelo's original fresco in the Sistine Chapel, the print's specific creation date and artist are not provided, though it is clearly a reproduction of a well-known Renaissance work.

Context

Created in the context of Renaissance art's fascination with biblical themes and the revival of classical techniques, the print reflects the era's artistic values of realism and emotional expression.

Legacy

As a reproduction of Michelangelo's work, the print contributes to the broader dissemination of Renaissance artistic ideals and biblical narratives throughout history, though its individual impact is not distinguished from the original fresco.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Michelangelo

Artist

Michelangelo

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (6 March 1475 – 18 February 1564), known mononymously as Michelangelo, was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance.