The Flood 1516

Hans Baldung's "The Flood" (1516) is a dramatic depiction of the biblical story of Noah's Ark. The painting depicts a tumultuous scene of chaos and despair as humanity drowns in a raging flood. A large, imposing wooden structure, likely meant to represent the Ark, dominates the center of the composition, with figures desperately clinging to its sides. The figures, both male and female, are depicted nude, highlighting their vulnerability and helplessness. The scene is rendered with a sense of urgency and realism, capturing the raw emotions and physicality of the event. The painting is an example of the German Renaissance style, known for its detailed and often grotesque representations of biblical narratives.