The building of Noah’s Ark

This ark looks more like a house than like a ship. It was probably inspired by a similar depiction in San Gimignano. It has multiple stories — three, as God told Noah in Genesis 6:16. The window close to the top, also required by God, is already there.

There is much activity going on. Noah himself gives instructions to a man on the roof.

In the background people and animals are on their way to the ark. Further away the water is already rising around a number of cities. From above God looks on, here shown with a grey beard.

This is folio 15v from the Bedford Book of Hours.