Drunkenness of Noah Giovanni Bellini (1430-1516)

In this painting, titled The Drunkenness of Noah, Noah is depicted lying naked and asleep, covered partially by a red cloth. His elder son, Ham, is shown looking at Noahs nakedness with a smile, while his brothers, Shem and Japheth, are seen from behind, covering Noah with a garment. Shem and Japheth appear to be walking backward, with their faces turned away from Noah, emphasizing their respectful reaction to his state. The scene is set in a natural, wooded environment, with grapes visible to the left of Noah, hinting at the source of his intoxication.
The subtext of this painting revolves around the biblical story from the Book of Genesis, where Noah, after the Great Flood, plants a vineyard and becomes drunk. Hams disrespectful gaze and the subsequent actions of his brothers carry significant moral and theological implications. Hams behavior is often interpreted as a transgression, leading to a curse upon his son, Canaan. Conversely, Shem and Japheths act of covering their father is seen as showing honor and preserving his dignity. The painting thus explores themes of filial piety, sin, shame, and divine judgment, highlighting the consequences of ones actions and reactions to moral failings, even within a foundational biblical narrative.