“Sleep” is a genre painting by the artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau, created in 1864. The artwork, composed in oil on canvas, aligns with the Academicism art movement and measures 51.4 by 61.6 cm. Currently held in a private collection, the painting epitomizes Bouguereau’s meticulous approach to form and delicate handling of the human figure.
The artwork features a tender and intimate domestic scene. Central to the composition is a maternal figure, dressed in a white blouse and a headscarf, gazing lovingly at a sleeping child she cradles in her arms. The child, in a state of serene slumber, is depicted with cherubic softness, accentuated by the masterful play of light and shadow. Standing next to the maternal figure is another child, attentively engaged, seemingly reluctant to disturb the tranquil moment. The painter’s precision in rendering the textures of fabric, skin, and expressions contributes to the profound sense of calm and affection that pervades the scene.
