The Return of the Dove to the Ark 1851

Sir John Everett Millais painted "The Return of the Dove to the Ark" with oil on canvas. The biblical story of Noah's Ark resonated deeply in Victorian England, a society grappling with both religious faith and scientific advancement. Painted around 1851, this work visualizes a moment of hope after a period of devastation. Millais, associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, was interested in intense detail, symbolism, and the emotional impact of the scene, turning to the Old Testament story of the great flood. However, rather than depicting the sheer drama of the flood, Millais focuses on the intimate moment of the dove's return, signalling that the waters have receded. The dove, a universal symbol of peace, is greeted by Noah's daughters. To understand the painting further, we can consult theological texts to learn more about the significance of the Dove in religious traditions. This is the work of the historian, to place the work within the framework of social and institutional ideas.