French School Of The 19th Century - Noah's Drunkenness

19th century French school 
The Drunkenness of Noah
Pen and brown ink on canvas
31.5 x 38.5 cm    
Monogrammed "TB" lower left
Small accidents, especially on the edges, slightly oiled
Framed

Powerful contrasting effects given by the astonishing combination of ink and canvas, worked in a vigorous manner forming a baroque light on what is not meant to be seen: The body of the drunken patriarch! The episode narrates Noah's deep sleep, having consumed the produce from his vineyard planted after the flood. His sons cover his naked body without looking at him, out of respect for their father. The monogram TB, visible lower left, could link the work to a certain Théophile BERNET (1865 - ?), but the scarcity of known works prevents any definite attribution. 

Consultation by appointment only.