Zondvloed (rechterhelft) c. 1540

This is the right half of Nicolò Boldrini’s engraving, "Zondvloed", now held at the Rijksmuseum. Here, Boldrini presents the universal motif of the deluge, echoing the biblical narrative of Noah's Ark. The figures raise their arms to the heavens, a gesture laden with desperation. We see this same plea echoed across cultures, from ancient Greek supplications to the Christian orant pose, each conveying a yearning for divine intervention. The image is reminiscent of the Titan Atlas bearing the weight of the world, reflecting humanity's struggle against overwhelming forces. It reminds us of the human condition and our perpetual struggle against existential threats. The universality of this scene speaks to our collective psyche, illustrating how certain symbols and gestures transcend time.