Edward Hicks, American, 1780-1849 – Noah’s Ark Philadelphia Museum of Art

The composition presents a scene dominated by a large, rectangular structure – a vessel – positioned centrally within the frame. This building, rendered in ochre tones with visible window apertures, appears substantial and grounded, suggesting permanence and refuge. A ramp leads up to an opening in its side, facilitating access for the numerous animals depicted around it.
A diverse array of creatures populates the foreground. They are arranged in a seemingly orderly fashion, though their proximity creates a sense of teeming life. The artist has rendered them with varying degrees of detail; some appear more realistically portrayed than others, contributing to an overall impression of folk art rather than academic precision. A lion lies calmly near a group of sheep, while a zebra stands prominently alongside other striped and spotted animals. The inclusion of these creatures – representing a wide range of species – underscores the narrative’s scope: encompassing all life on Earth.
Behind this animal gathering, water stretches to the horizon, reflecting a stormy sky filled with dark clouds and flocks of birds ascending into the air. The landscape is defined by rolling hills in the distance, partially obscured by the atmospheric perspective. The trees flanking the ark are substantial, their branches reaching towards the turbulent sky, adding a sense of scale and drama to the scene.
Beyond the literal depiction of an event from religious lore, the painting conveys themes of preservation, hope, and divine intervention. The orderly arrangement of animals, despite their inherent wildness, suggests a controlled environment – a temporary suspension of natural order under God’s direction. The storm-laden sky introduces an element of impending doom, highlighting the necessity for refuge and salvation. The ark itself becomes a symbol of protection against chaos, representing not only physical survival but also spiritual redemption.
The artists choice to depict animals in such close proximity – a lion alongside sheep – hints at a temporary cessation of predation, suggesting a harmony that is both fragile and profound. This visual juxtaposition underscores the extraordinary nature of the event being portrayed, emphasizing its significance as a moment of divine grace.