Noah’s Ark c. 1909

Editor: Here we have Margaret Gere’s *Noah’s Ark*, a watercolor artwork. It has a dreamlike quality. What strikes you most about the composition? Curator: The linear procession juxtaposed against the circular groupings. The animals ascending are rigid and structured while, below, families are intimately arranged. Do you notice how Gere uses color to differentiate these realms? Editor: Yes, the ark has muted tones, and the lower ground has brighter hues! What does that signify? Curator: Perhaps she is establishing a visual hierarchy, where the divine mandate supersedes earthly concerns. It is the artist's deliberate manipulation of form and color that invites us to contemplate such possibilities. Editor: So, it's not just a depiction of the story but an exploration of structure and meaning. Curator: Precisely! I find it very compelling.