East Door of Baptistery of Florence c. 19th century

Editor: This print, East Door of Baptistery of Florence by Giovanni Paolo Lasinio, shows a scene of Noah’s Ark. The composition feels divided, almost like multiple stories unfolding at once. What do you make of this imagery? Curator: The linear style emphasizes the symbolic weight of each scene. Notice how the ark itself sits atop a pyramid, drawing a direct line from the earthly to the divine. The animals, the figures, and even the architecture become vessels of meaning. Editor: So the pyramid isn’t just a visual element? Curator: Precisely. It recalls ancient structures, imbuing the scene with a sense of timelessness. Consider also the dove, a powerful symbol of peace and divine forgiveness, connecting this story with broader themes of hope and renewal. What feelings does this provoke in you? Editor: It makes me think about how symbols evolve but still carry echoes of their past. Curator: Exactly! Lasinio uses these visual cues to tap into a deep well of cultural memory.