Noah leaving the Ark

Giulio Bonasone created this engraving, “Noah Leaving the Ark,” sometime in the 16th century. Bonasone lived during the High Renaissance, a period marked by renewed interest in classical antiquity and humanism. Here, the iconic biblical scene unfolds with a focus on its human and animal protagonists. What I find compelling is how Bonasone’s composition invites us to consider the hierarchical structures embedded in this narrative. God’s chosen family and the animals emerge from the Ark, repopulating a world cleansed by divine wrath. Yet, this ‘new beginning’ is loaded. The emphasis on Noah's family suggests a patriarchal structure. In this, we see women depicted as part of Noah’s lineage but not as leaders. Furthermore, the animals are arranged almost as if posing for a portrait; they are subjects of human dominion. Bonasone’s print does more than illustrate a Bible story, it reflects the social order of his time. It compels us to think about power, privilege, and representation.