Warrior Sleeping c. 1817

"Warrior Sleeping" (c. 1817) is an etching by French artist Carle Vernet, now held in the Art Institute of Chicago. The print depicts a soldier sleeping soundly under a tree, his loyal dog resting beside him, while a saddled horse stands nearby. Vernet's depiction of the resting soldier, with its detailed rendering of the soldier’s clothing and surroundings, captures the weariness and vulnerability of warfare, while also highlighting the importance of companionship and loyalty. The image serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the need for moments of rest and peace.