Slapende figuur 1917

Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita created this print, Sleeping Figure, with etching techniques. The sleeping figure is a motif deeply rooted in the human psyche, a symbol that transcends time and cultures. Consider, for instance, the countless depictions of Endymion lulled into eternal slumber by Selene, the moon goddess, a romantic vision of suspended animation. Here, the woman reclines, seemingly surrendering to the oblivion of sleep. Her bareness evokes a sense of vulnerability and openness, a raw emotional state that invites introspection. The recurring theme of sleep appears throughout art history, as it touches on fundamental aspects of human existence: vulnerability, dreams, and the subconscious. This composition, with its restful pose, is a testament to the enduring power of such symbols, engaging us on a subconscious level. It is an image that resonates with our collective memories and experiences.