The Universal Deluge, Flemish Painter Active In The Seventeenth Century

The Great Flood
Flemish painter active in the 17th century

Oil painting on canvas
52 x 70 cm. - In frame 76 x 95 cm.

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This interesting seventeenth-century Flemish painting illustrates the biblical event of the Great Flood, hurled on the earth by God to punish the inhabitants of their wickedness and degeneration. Thanks to this huge flood the world would have been purified of sinners, with the only exception reserved for Noah's Ark which, as a symbol of the Church itself, became a means of salvation for Noah and his family, as well as a couple of all kinds. animal.

The primordial catastrophe of the flood is detailed in the biblical book of Genesis (Bible, Genesis 6-8), and the details are impressive, dramatic and very strong: the rain fell on the earth for forty days and forty nights, the waters rose and lifted. the ark that rose on the earth, and they were more and more overwhelming until they covered the whole earth and obliterated every living thing that lived there.

The scene immortalized by our painter identifies us in the midst of the tragedy in progress, with details described in an extremely realistic way that, based on the model of similar works made by many Flemish masters, focuses above all on the desperate struggle of men and animals for survival.

The Ark is depicted in the distance, almost shrouded in darkness, signifying the distance from the men in the foreground who are now desperate for their imminent fate. The striking contrast between the illuminated foreground and the dark landscape in the background highlights the drama of the scene.

We see a tangle of bodies emerging from the foamy water, while clinging with the strength of desperation to any hold that may have the appearance of salvation. Each image strikes and captures the viewer's attention. Particularly touching are the scenes depicting mothers with their babies, which show us how not even the innocence of children is spared from the ferocious tragedy hurled on men by divine anger.

To make this work unique, compared to others also famous with the same subject, is the inclusion in the composition of a 'Madonna with Child' which, although in anachronistic contrast with the event of the Flood, joins the subject in question for the fate of Christ, sacrificed by the Father for the salvation of humanity from sin.

The sky is an active part of the earthly disaster, perfectly reflecting the passage of the biblical text, with the black clouds swollen with rain that progressively close the sunlight and obscure the hope of the living. There is something apocalyptic in this vision, which the author was able to grasp perfectly.

The analysis of the painting and the stylistic details that compose it allow us to attribute its authorship to a Flemish author, although on closer inspection, especially in the rendering of the figures, it is possible to detect its influence from the Italian figurative culture, with a mannerist imprint.

The work is in good condition and is complete with a beautiful gilded wooden frame.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.

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