Sleep Escaping from the Wrath of Jupiter – "But gentle Night to whom I fled for Aid (the Friend of Earth and Heaven), Her Wings Display'd" (Pope's Iliad, Book 14, line 293) 1793

John Flaxman created this pen and ink drawing, Sleep Escaping from the Wrath of Jupiter, at the turn of the 19th century. His neoclassical style was greatly influenced by his close relationship with William Blake, and their shared radical political views. Here, Flaxman depicts Sleep fleeing from the wrath of the patriarchal figure, Jupiter. He is protected by Night who shelters him from the violence of the all-powerful, male god. We are presented with an alternative narrative, one where vulnerability finds refuge in the feminine embrace of Night. This drawing, like much of Flaxman's work, resonates with the era's questioning of traditional power structures. It reflects a moment in history where artists began to challenge established norms. Flaxman invites us to reflect on who is offered protection, and from whom. It suggests that in moments of vulnerability, we might seek solace in the shadows, away from the harsh light of dominant forces.