A brilliant white rainbow is illuminating the dimly silhouetted landscape slowly emerging from primeval darkness. The flood has receded and dry land has appeared. The ark is land-locked, and some animals have disembarked. Peace is about to return to the earth. Noah is reclining on firm soil basking in its safeness and warmth. He is engaged in a silent dialogue with the angel above. Their language is one of uplifted and outstretched hands. Their eyes meet in agreement. Thus, Chagall pictured the new covenant between God and humanity. Like a wide open compass the rainbow enfolds the whole of creation. The angel riding the rainbow remains unreal and ghostly in spite of its droll and plump appearance. It is a symbol of God both unreachable and always present, and proclaims that he is the ultimate lightness of being. Noah, in turn, is a creature of the earth; he is from the earth and one with it. Life is pulsating in this plate; light seeps through darkness thanks to the dark linear striations of earth and day. Its center opens like an endless tunnel of light inviting humanity into the "everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures. "
Related scripture reading: Genesis 9:8-13
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