The artwork, titled “The Animals Enter the Ark,” was created by James Tissot between approximately 1896 and 1902. The piece is executed in gouache on board, classified within the Symbolism art movement, and measures 22.9 x 17.4 cm. As a religious painting, it depicts a well-known biblical scene.
In this meticulous rendering, various animals are depicted boarding Noah’s Ark. The multitude of creatures is portrayed in orderly lines, guided towards and ascending a ramp that leads into the monumental structure. The animals, including elephants, lions, and cattle, exhibit realistic and detailed features. The expansive ark itself is shown in intricate detail, constructed from wooden beams, providing a sense of grand scale and meticulous craftsmanship. Birds fill the sky and perch on the structure, adding to the scene’s dynamic nature. The overcast sky, teeming with clouds, contributes to the foreboding and urgent atmosphere surrounding the event. This artwork masterfully captures the momentous biblical occurrence with a profound sense of gravitas and meticulous attention to detail.
