Details

Title

Noah, Third Day

Artist/Maker

Romare Bearden (American, 1911–1988)

Date

1972

Medium

Collage and acrylic on board

Dimensions

40 1/2 x 35 1/2 inches

Credit

Gift in memory of Peter Rindskopf and purchase

Accession #

73.14

Location

Currently not on view

The spiritual life of African American communities, both rural and urban, finds frequent expression in Bearden’s work. In this biblical scene from Noah and the Ark, Bearden imparts an intimate, folkloric quality through rhythmic patterning and flattened shapes. To make this collage, Bearden layered hand-colored copies of photographs, abstract cutouts, and references to African and early Christian art. Noah himself is shown in mask-like profile and with dark skin—signaling the inclusion of Black culture within Christian tradition.

Image Copyright

© Romare Bearden Foundation/VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY