About the Artist
H. C. Tunison is credited as the illustrator of this 1899 Noahs Ark poster, created during a period when printed imagery made biblical stories accessible to a wide audience. Tunison worked within the realm of popular publishing, helping to transform familiar narratives into engaging visual scenes suitable for display in everyday homes.
These illustrations were intended for broad appeal, designed to be instantly understandable and to foster conversation and reflection among viewers of all ages.
The Artwork
Noahs Ark captures the timeless story of animals journeying toward the ark, a symbol of hope and renewal. In the late nineteenth century, such biblical scenes were commonly reproduced as decorative art, serving both as gentle moral instruction and as sources of inspiration in family spaces.
This 1899 print is part of a tradition of narrative wall art that encouraged shared storytelling and intergenerational connection. It naturally complements other animal prints, inviting viewers to explore themes of wonder, safety, and companionship.
Style & Characteristics
The composition centers on pairs of animals moving in an orderly line toward a large wooden ark, set against a backdrop of soft mountains and palm trees. The arrangement is reminiscent of a storybook illustration, with clear outlines and a harmonious balance of figures that guide the eye through the scene.
The color palette features gentle greens and blues, warmed by earthy browns and subtle touches of red and yellow, while white and grey provide contrast. The overall atmosphere is calm and optimistic, making this a vintage animal poster that also appeals to admirers of landscape art.
In Interior Design
This vintage print is well-suited for living rooms, hallways, or reading nooks, where its narrative richness invites closer viewing. In a nursery or playroom, the familiar procession of animals offers a sense of comfort and curiosity, fitting seamlessly into a vintage storybook-inspired decor.
Pair it with natural materials like wood and linen, and complement its palette with muted greens or sandy tones for a tranquil effect. It also integrates beautifully into a gallery wall alongside other kids room prints and classic illustrations.
