“Sleep and His Half Brother Death” is an oil on canvas painting created by John William Waterhouse in 1874, belonging to the Romanticism movement. The artwork, a mythological painting with dimensions of 69.85 x 90.81 cm, currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork portrays two youthful male figures, bathed in a warm yet somber light, reflecting themes of tranquility and finality. The figures, presumably representing Sleep and Death, are depicted reclining together, their limbs relaxed and faces serene. One holds a poppy, a symbol often associated with sleep and death, while their surroundings are shaded with draped fabrics and darkened architectural elements, invoking a sense of serene timelessness. The use of muted tones and chiaroscuro enhances the contemplative and serene atmosphere, typical of Waterhouse’s skill in evoking emotional depth through classical mythological subjects.