Who painted Building of the Ark?

Building of the Ark was painted by Alessandro Magnasco in 1704.

Where can I see Building of the Ark?

Building of the Ark is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Building of the Ark?

Building of the Ark is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Building of the Ark?

Museum-quality prints of Building of the Ark are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Building of the Ark

Alessandro Magnasco , 1704

Building of the Ark is a drawing by the Baroque artist Alessandro Magnasco. It dates from 1704 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1951.350
Credit line: John L. Severance Fund

About this work

Overview

Building of the Ark is a drawing by Alessandro Magnasco, created around 1704. It showcases the artist's distinctive late-Baroque style.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts the biblical scene of Noah's Ark under construction, featuring a chaotic assembly of workers engaged in various tasks amidst a large, unfinished wooden structure.

Technique & Style

Magnasco's characteristic use of quick, expressive lines and stark contrasts of light and dark is evident in the angular figures and heavy shadows. The background remains largely undeveloped, with large areas left empty.

Context

This work reflects Magnasco's practice of creating stylized, dreamlike scenes, often with a sense of fragmentation and disorder.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Alessandro Magnasco

Alessandro Magnasco (February 4, 1667 – March 12, 1749), also known as il Lissandrino, was an Italian late-Baroque painter active mostly in Milan and Genoa.