Slapend kindje 1782 - 1837

"Slapend kindje" (Sleeping Child) is a delicate pencil drawing created by Pieter Bartholomeusz Barbiers in the early 19th century. The artwork, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, portrays a sleeping infant lying on its side, cradled in a blanket and pillow. The subtle details of the child's features and the soft lines of the fabric create a sense of tenderness and serenity, highlighting Barbiers' skillful rendering of the human form. This drawing exemplifies the artist's focus on capturing the beauty of everyday moments, particularly those associated with childhood. The work is an example of the Dutch Romantic period, a time when artists sought to depict the world with a sense of emotional depth and individual expression.