The Sleep of Remorse 1886

Curator: This is Simeon Solomon’s “The Sleep of Remorse,” a drawing dating to 1886. It measures about 43 by 31 centimeters. Editor: It’s quite somber, a grayscale study of contemplation. Is that a snake coiled in the figure’s hair? Curator: Yes, and note the laurel leaves. Solomon, often exploring themes of transgression and atonement, subtly layers classical iconography with personal symbolism. The snake can be interpreted as the burden of guilt, a weight from which the figure seeks respite. Editor: Graphite lends itself so well to these gradations of emotion. I wonder, was paper the most accessible medium for Solomon at this time, given the social constraints placed upon him? Curator: That's a keen observation. Considering his personal struggles and societal pressures, the immediacy and relative affordability of drawing materials could have been a significant factor. Editor: It really does invite us to consider the labor and context of its creation, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. It's a powerful reminder of how personal experience shapes artistic expression.