Noah's Ark and Animals

Art Historical Context

In the heart of the Great Depression, the Index of American Design—a Federal Art Project under the Works Progress Administration—commissioned artists like Ben Lassen to document everyday American folk art. Created between 1935 and 1942, *Noah's Ark and Animals is one such vibrant watercolor, graphite, and gouache rendering paperboard, capturing a wooden toy ark (originally 10⅜ inches long) complete with pairs of carved animals. Measuring 38 × 35.4 cm, this precise study preserves the whimsical details of a beloved 19th-century craft tradition, evoking biblical tales through humble, handcrafted forms. Lassen's technique blends realism with artistic flair: graphite outlines define sharp contours, while watercolor and gouache add lively color and texture, mimicking the ark's weathered wood and the animals' playful expressions—from elephants to giraffes. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection, this piece highlights the cultural significance of Noah's Arks as moral playthings in American homes, symbolizing faith, ingenuity, and community. It reminds us how folk art bridged generations, turning scripture into tangible joy for children. Today, it stands as a testament to the IAD's mission: safeguarding vanishing designs amid economic hardship, inviting us to appreciate the artistry in the ordinary.