The artwork entitled “Sleeping Man” is a creation by the esteemed artist Bartolome Esteban Murillo, belonging to the Baroque art movement. It is modest in dimensions, measuring merely 20 by 21 centimeters, and serves as a sketch and study, providing insight into the artist’s preparatory process.
Upon examination of the artwork, it becomes apparent that the subject is indeed a man in a state of repose, possibly slumber. The technique employed captures the softness of human flesh, and the posture suggests a deep, undisturbed rest. The man’s attire appears plain, consisting of loose garments that lend themselves to the contours of his body, and his position on what seems to be a simple, hard surface contrasts with the tranquility of his sleep. The artist’s mastery in rendering the drapery of the clothes and the anatomy of the human figure is evident, reflecting the characteristics of the Baroque period, which often venerated the dramatic, the emotional, and the detailed study of light and shadow.
Furthermore, the artwork provides a glimpse into the artist’s process, as such sketches were typically executed as preparatory works for more finished paintings or sculptures, highlighting Murillo’s skill in capturing spontaneous moments of everyday life with authenticity and emotive power.
