Noach, zijn familie en de dieren verlaten de ark 1582 - 1613

This engraving, ‘Noah, His Family, and the Animals Leaving the Ark,’ was made by Pieter van der Borcht the Elder in the late 16th century in the Netherlands. It depicts the conclusion of the biblical flood. The scene isn't just a literal illustration; it's deeply embedded in the cultural and intellectual debates of its time. Consider the rising merchant class in the Netherlands and their connection to global trade. The Ark, a vessel of salvation, perhaps symbolizes the Dutch ambition for exploration and commerce. The animals disembarking, ready to populate a "new world," mirror the colonial aspirations of European powers. The architecture in the background evokes classical antiquity, an era often drawn upon to legitimize contemporary power structures. Art historians delve into such visual cues, tracing their origins and understanding their resonance. By examining texts, maps, and other images from the period, we can unlock the complex dialogue between the artwork and its world, recognizing that even a seemingly simple image holds layers of meaning.