Noach verlaat de ark 1607

Sisto Badalocchio made this print, "Noah Leaving the Ark", sometime around the turn of the 17th century. Here, the artist shows the moment after the great flood when Noah, his family, and all the animals leave the ark. In Renaissance Italy, Biblical scenes like this were very popular. They reinforced the teachings of the Catholic Church, which was a major patron of the arts. But there's more to it than that. Look at how Badalocchio depicts Noah and his family. They’re not just survivors; they look like classical heroes, reminiscent of ancient Roman sculptures. By linking biblical figures to classical ideals, the artist elevates the status of religious narratives. Italian artists were also looking to create a new visual language of art. To truly understand this print, we need to delve deeper into the history of religious art and the revival of classical themes in the Renaissance. What were the social functions of biblical imagery at this time? Who was this print intended for? Answering these questions helps us appreciate the complex interplay between art, religion, and society.