The Story Unfolds
As humanity grew, so did its wickedness, until God was grieved by what He had made. But one man, Noah, found favor in God's eyes. God told Noah to build a massive boat, an ark, and to gather his family and two of every kind of animal. For forty days and forty nights, rain fell and flooded the entire earth, cleansing it of wickedness. When the waters receded, Noah and his family emerged to a new, clean world. God then placed a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant—a promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
Story Summary
God saves Noah and his family from the great flood by having them build an ark.
Masterpiece Showcase
Artwork Details
"Noah's Ark"
Edward Hicks
1846
Oil on Canvas
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Curator's Insights
About the Art
Hicks depicts the animals in peaceful procession, embodying his Quaker belief in a "peaceable kingdom" where all creatures live in harmony.
About the Artist
Edward Hicks was a Quaker minister and folk artist, not formally trained but deeply faithful, expressing his beliefs through simple, bright imagery.
Historical Context
This reflects 19th-century American folk art tradition and Quaker theology of universal peace and divine order.
Techniques Used:
Symbolism:
- Peaceful animal pairs represent restored harmony
- Dark clouds show impending judgment
- Orderly procession shows divine plan
Interactive Art Adventure
Look Closer
- Find the lion and lamb walking peacefully together
- Count how many different animal pairs you can identify
- Look at the dark storm clouds - what's about to happen?
Creative Spark
Draw your own ark and fill it with your favorite animals. Use animal crackers or stickers to make a collage. Make sure every animal has a partner!