Bolognese School, 17th Century

Prince René of Bourbon-Parma (1894 - 1962), as written on an old label on the reverse.

Painting appears to be unlined or to have a very thin relining canvas. under a dirty, discolored varnish. the paint surface has been very well preserved and there is very nice detail, especially in figure of Noah. under ultraviolet: it is difficult to see through due to old varnish, but there appear to be only a few tiny dots of retouching on torso and legs of Noah; a few small ones on the two figures at far right and a few very small ones in foreground and sky. some retouches along upper edge. painting would benefit from a light cleaning. In an elaborately carved and gilt wood frame.
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Noah lies sleeping in a vineyard; the red of his cheeks, the basket of waxy grapes beside him and the vines overhanging his head, all betray his drunkenness.  The light which pervades from the left of the composition throws the nude figure into relief, while the figures of the three brothers are executed in a rapid, painterly fashion, the figure of Noah, with taut, muscular limbs, slackened with sleep and smooth modeling of the torso, all rendered with impressive naturalism.  Slightly in shadow, Ham leans gesticulating in mockery at his father's exposure while his brothers, Shem and Japhet, approach with backs turned so as to avoid his humiliation and bring with them a robe with which to conceal his nakedness.