Genesis 9: Drunkenness of Noah 15th-16th century

Curator: This intriguing, unattributed woodcut is called "Genesis 9: Drunkenness of Noah" and comes to us from the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks like a chaotic scene, with a vulnerable figure at the center, but there's a strange formal quality to the rendering of the figures. Curator: Right, it depicts a biblical narrative loaded with cultural significance, specifically the moment Noah's son Ham sees him naked and intoxicated, and tells his brothers about it, raising questions about power, shame, and respect. Editor: The stark contrast created through the woodcut process lends itself so well to the depiction of the narrative, and focuses on the labor and the making of the image. Curator: Exactly, and thinking about the social context in which the image was created also allows us to explore issues of race and otherness, themes that are still very relevant today. Editor: Considering its materiality and process, the image offers a potent glimpse into art production, and allows for questions about the value and labor involved in its creation. Curator: Absolutely. And in that way, "Genesis 9" really invites us to consider the complex social and political dimensions of image-making. Editor: A powerful piece! It underscores how essential an artwork's materials are to communicating its meaning and cultural importance.