Noach bouwt de ark 1615

This etching, Noach bouwt de ark, was created by Orazio Borgianni around 1615 and resides in the Rijksmuseum. The composition immediately draws us to the semi-circular structure dominating the scene, an ark under construction. The figures, rendered with detailed hatching, convey a sense of urgent labor. Borgianni masterfully uses line and form to convey meaning. The ark’s skeletal framework, with its curved lines, contrasts with the straight lines of the scaffolding, creating a dynamic tension. The placement of Noah, gesturing towards the construction, serves as a focal point that directs our attention through the scene. The print invites semiotic interpretation. The act of building the ark signifies salvation and divine command. Borgianni's attention to form and structure reflects a broader concern with the order and purpose during the tumultuous period in history. The ark is less a literal depiction and more a symbolic representation, echoing the eternal themes of faith, obedience, and the architecture of belief.