The Days of Noah

James Smetham, 1821-89

1860

Etching on steel in black ink on paper

5 ½ x 4 3/16 inches (13.8 x 10.6 cm) – image size.

Private collection.

This elaborate etching shows people crowding about Noah as he tries to build his Ark. In a letter from John Ruskin to Smetham Ruskin comments: “These etchings of yours are very wonderful and beautiful; I admire them both exceedingly. But pray, on account of the fatigue, don’t work so finely, and don’t draw so much on your imagination. Try and do a few easier subjects than this Noah one. The labour has been tremendous.” The etching here alluded to was one of the building of the ark, containing many figures, elaborated to a high degree of finish.” (Letters 21). Smetham later did a small oil painting of this subject.