The Entry of the Animals into Noah’s Ark 1570

Jacopo Bassano painted this canvas, “The Entry of the Animals into Noah’s Ark,” sometime in the 16th century in Venice. Consider how the story of Noah resonates in a city intimately familiar with the power and threat of water. Bassano, positioning us right at the water’s edge, makes the emotional and physical act of rescue palpable. As the animals gather, there is a sense of urgency. Each creature, painted with care, is precious, their lives intertwined with humanity's fate. Yet, the painting also reflects the social hierarchies of the time. Noah, traditionally a symbol of patriarchal authority, directs this monumental undertaking. Bassano’s work invites us to think about the stories we tell, who tells them, and whose voices are amplified or suppressed. As you consider this painting, reflect on our own era, and the critical importance of safeguarding our planet and protecting its most vulnerable inhabitants.