Pauwels Franck, called . Paolo Fiammingo (1540/1546-1596) - attributed to, Pauwels Franck, called . Paolo Fiammingo (1540/1546-1596) - attributed to The Entry into Noah's Ark

Oil on canvas 70 x 91.5 cm

Positioned prominently in the foreground on the right, Noah stands alongside his wife and daughter-in-law, while his son, depicted only by his head, carries a metal vessel. Noah's wife wears a flat, wide-brimmed headdress reminiscent of the fashion of Roma women in the 16th century, a style associated with the notion that Roma people originated from "Little Egypt," a mythical region in the Orient. This cultural reference is reflected in the use of their attire in biblical paintings.

On the left side of the composition, Noah's other sons and their wives make their way towards the ark, depicted with intricate detail. In the background, the ark looms, surrounded by pairs of animals and birds embarking on their journey. In contrast, on the right side of the scene, a village celebration near a castle symbolizes sinful humanity, heedless of divine commandments and destined to be wiped out by the impending Flood. God the Father observes these events from a cloud in the upper left corner.

Characteristic of late Mannerist painting of the late 16th century, the composition features cool hues in the foreground robes and pale tones in the background architecture and animals. The deliberate arrangement of figures in dynamic poses, alongside the somewhat stylized color palette, aims to engage the viewer's imagination, inviting contemplation of the narrative's significance. Oil on canvas 70 × 91.5 cm