Circle of Alessandro Magnasco, Italian 1667-1749- The Great Flood; oil on canvas, 98.4 x 125.1 cm. Note: The present work bears certain similarities to the highly dramatic, exuberant and stylisedpositions of the late-Baroque Genoese artist Alessandro Magnasco. The densely populated scene has been rendered with a dark palette and relatively loose brushstrokes, resulting in aposition that is full of movement. The subject is taken from the Old Testament book of Genesis Chapter Six, which tells of God's decision to return the Earth to its pre-creation state of watery chaos and then remake it in a reversal of creation. In doing so, man's wickedness is punished while Noah and his family are saved (Noah’s ark can be seen in the right background, illuminated by a shaft of moonlight). A stormy sea rages whilst the figures desperately attempt to cling to the tree branches and the debris of the boats.Please refer to department for condition report