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© BNF, DIST. RMN-GRAND PALAIS/ART RESOURCE, NY

BOXING DAY. In the Ashburnham Pentateuch, which dates to the sixth or seventh century A.D., Noah’s ark appears as a box with four legs. Picturing the events in Genesis 8, this scene progresses from top to bottom—and features Noah seven times! First, Noah and his family appear within the ark. After sending out several birds, they, along with the animals, exit the ark. Finally, they present an offering to God.