Noah's Ark

Jan Griffier spent most of his career in England where he usually painted topographical views. This immense painting was probably commissioned from the artist by Sir John Trevelyan of Nettlecombe Court, Somerset, and it remained in the Great Hall at Nettlecombe for almost 300 years. The subject was an unusual choice for an English gentleman's home, where hunting scenes were more familiar, although many of the prominent animals are native English species.It is likely that Griffier studied exotic animals in private menageries and aviaries. He also borrowed from the designs of other artists, such as Francis Barlow.