Noah and the animals entering the ark
Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (Il Grechetto)
ca. 1650–55 · Etching · Drawings and Prints
The entry of the animals into Noah’s ark was one of Castiglione’s favorite themes, which he painted, drew, and printed throughout his career. The story allowed the artist to depict a lively assortment of animals: pairs of deer, cows, sheep, and even guinea pigs make their way to the ark barely delineated in the far ground. A lone horse in the midst of the throng dominates the composition. This etching demonstrates a controlled use of Rembrandt-esque chiaroscuro, which creates dramatic effects through the contrast of light and shadow
- Artist
- Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (Il Grechetto)
- Date
- ca. 1650–55
- Medium
- Etching
- Department
- Drawings and Prints
- Credit line
- Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1917
