Noach gaat met zijn familie en de dieren aan boord van de ark after 1559

Curator: Cornelis Cort's engraving, crafted after 1559, titled "Noah Goes with His Family and the Animals into the Ark," offers an incredibly detailed rendition of this famous biblical scene. It's currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. My first impression is that of chaos carefully ordered. There’s a feeling of both urgency and an almost celebratory procession, all rendered in stark, precise lines. Editor: Chaos is right. But to me, this image speaks volumes about power structures. Who gets saved and who gets left behind is a loaded question when discussing themes like climate change and social inequality, don't you think? This scene isn’t just about salvation; it’s about the privileges that protect certain bodies. Curator: I see your point about privilege and who gains access. Focusing on the composition, though, the ark itself appears somewhat precarious. Notice how Cort contrasts the geometric solidity of the ark with the dynamic, swirling mass of animals and figures entering it. There's an emphasis on line and form, and a clear intent to create spatial depth through hatching. Editor: And who decided which animals were worthy? Who built that hierarchy? I'm more struck by the people on the margins, the faces half-hidden or turned away. What stories do they carry, knowing they’re doomed? It's about collective trauma, about historical patterns of survival based on exclusion, framed here within this seemingly moral tale. Curator: Trauma is certainly suggested in the faces. But observe Cort's sophisticated use of light and shadow, creating dramatic contrast that draws the eye to key elements— the ark's entrance and the figure of Noah, especially. This use of chiaroscuro, balanced composition, combined with his command of detail truly exemplifies Cort's mastery of engraving. Editor: Yet that mastery, as you say, serves a narrative with a clear ideological stance. Consider the social function of art during that time – the role of biblical narratives in reinforcing moral codes and justifying existing power dynamics. It’s crucial to engage with art like this critically, acknowledging how they reflect and reinforce certain societal norms while simultaneously prompting deeper inquiry. Curator: Well, by using formal and thematic elements in his piece, Cort certainly offers material for us to think and discuss. Editor: Indeed! And to acknowledge both its artistic achievements and ideological underpinnings within an historical setting.