Noah and the animals entering the ark

Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (Il Grechetto) Italian

Not on view

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 faintly delineated in the background. 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

Noah and the animals entering the ark, Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (Il Grechetto) (Italian, Genoa 1609–1664 Mantua), Etching

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