Slapende man 1809 - 1845

George Jooss created this image of a ‘Sleeping Man’ using etching, a printmaking process, sometime before 1845. An etcher covers a metal plate with a waxy ground, then scratches an image into the ground with a sharp tool, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The fine, precise lines capture the texture of the man’s clothing and the rough surface on which he lies. The material qualities of the etching—the stark contrast of light and shadow, and the delicate lines—create a sense of intimacy, inviting us to observe a private moment of rest. This work reflects a keen awareness of the demands of labor. During Jooss's time, there was increasing industrialization, which led to long working hours and little rest for the laboring class. This etching, in its simple portrayal of a man at rest, prompts us to consider the value of leisure and the dignity of the working class, reminding us of the social context in which art is made.