Drunkenness of Noah: the beginning of wine making

The scene depicted in this relief takes place after the flood. Noah discovers wine making and drunkenness. Both subjects are always intertwined in representations: Bacchus was the god of wine and of drunkenness for example. This is an uncomfortable episode in Noah's life, but it serves as a reminder that even those saved by the grace of God are prone to sin (Genesis 8:21). It's also serves as a powerful warning about how just one careless decision can destroy the reputation of even the most godly man or woman. That's especially true when it comes to drinking.