Sleep Escaping from the Wrath of Zeus n.d.

Curator: John Flaxman’s undated drawing, "Sleep Escaping from the Wrath of Zeus," now at the Art Institute of Chicago, uses pen, graphite, and ink to explore an allegorical subject. It appears unfinished, though it feels whole in its open-ended narrative. Editor: It feels ghostly and ephemeral. The lines are so light, barely there, yet they create this very distinct, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Is the overall composition meant to evoke a feeling of fleeing, or the tenuousness of sleep itself? Curator: Flaxman was deeply engaged with classical literature, especially Homer. Sleep, or Hypnos, was a significant figure in Greek mythology, capable of influencing even Zeus, king of the gods. The drawing portrays a moment of defiance. Can you make out Zeus lurking above, chasing after Sleep, surrounded by winged cherubic figures? Editor: Yes, the contrast between the delicate linework of Sleep below and the slightly more defined figures above creates a distinct separation between the earthly and divine realms. Notice how the curving lines dominate, and there's almost no shading. The light is almost uniformly distributed, which adds to that feeling of ethereality. Curator: Flaxman's interpretation draws from a vast history of symbolic meaning connected to Sleep—it is associated with unconsciousness, dreams, and even death, though I feel Flaxman uses it more as a symbol of subtle resistance, especially in the face of overwhelming power. It’s worth pondering why Flaxman chose this moment to depict: is it about the necessity of rest or the courage to defy authority? Editor: The negative space certainly amplifies the feeling of lightness. The composition guides your eye through that space to land at specific areas to imply a certain power dynamic. This gives the work such subtle grace, in the defiance shown by the composition between the fleeing Sleep below and Zeus's reach from above. Curator: Flaxman invites us to consider the nuanced tension between vulnerability and agency—a fascinating narrative when one knows these figures from the familiar myths. Editor: Indeed, analyzing it, one notes that beyond the immediate scene depicted, the structural simplicity of the piece conveys much, using line and composition, leaving us contemplating the relationship of power, flight, and momentary escape.