Who painted The Drunkenness of Noah?

The Drunkenness of Noah was painted by Werner Kübler in 1582.

Where can I see The Drunkenness of Noah?

The Drunkenness of Noah is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Drunkenness of Noah?

The Drunkenness of Noah is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Drunkenness of Noah

Werner Kübler , 1582

The Drunkenness of Noah is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Werner Kübler. It dates from 1582 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Werner Kübler’s drawing, titled The Drunkenness of Noah, was executed in 1582 on laid paper. Rendered with pen and black and brown ink, the work incorporates a brown wash that deepens the tonal range. The piece measures a modest size typical of intimate devotional drawings and presents a narrative scene from the Hebrew Bible.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates the biblical episode in which Noah, after the flood, becomes intoxicated and lies exposed on the ground. Surrounding figures—interpreted as his sons—react to his vulnerable state, emphasizing themes of human frailty, familial responsibility, and moral instruction that were common in post‑Reformation visual culture.

Technique & Style

Kübler employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, juxtaposing dense, dark ink lines with lighter washes to model form and suggest depth. The contrast between the illuminated foreground figure and the shadowed background creates a dramatic spatial recession. The use of brown wash adds a warm undertone, enhancing the atmospheric quality of the outdoor setting.

History & Provenance

Created in the late sixteenth century, the drawing reflects the Northern European tradition of detailed narrative sketches. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work has been associated with collections of Renaissance drawings, indicating its circulation among connoisseurs of biblical illustration during the period.