Artwork

Noah's Ark

Noah's Ark, by Pierre II Woeiriot de Bouzey, ink, 1566
Noah's Ark, by Pierre II Woeiriot de Bouzey, ink, 1566

Noah's Ark is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Pierre II Woeiriot de Bouzey. It dates from 1566 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Noah's Ark is a 1566 engraving by Pierre II Woeiriot de Bouzey, depicting a pivotal biblical scene within a crowded, detailed composition.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving illustrates the biblical narrative of Noah's Ark, focusing on the moment of turmoil as the ark endures a storm. Figures of Noah's family are densely packed alongside various animals, conveying a sense of community and shared endurance.

Technique & Style

The artist employed cross-hatching, a technique involving layers of intersecting lines, to achieve depth, shadows, and textures. This is evident in the rendering of animal fur and the wooden structure of the ark, demonstrating the engraver's skill in creating visual richness without color.

History & Provenance

Created in 1566 by Pierre II Woeiriot de Bouzey, specific details about the engraving's historical ownership or exhibition history are not provided in the available information.

Context

This work reflects the Renaissance interest in biblical themes and the development of printmaking techniques during the 16th century, allowing for the widespread dissemination of religious imagery.

Legacy

While the broader impact or direct influence of 'Noah's Ark' by Pierre II Woeiriot de Bouzey on subsequent art is not detailed here, it contributes to the corpus of 16th-century religious prints that utilized advanced engraving techniques.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.