Sleep and His Half Brother Death 1874

"Sleep and His Half-Brother Death" (1874) by John William Waterhouse depicts the allegorical figures of Sleep and Death, a motif popularized by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo. The painting, housed in a private collection, displays Waterhouse's mastery of Pre-Raphaelite style with its detailed rendering of the figures and their classical drapery. The scene evokes a sense of tranquility and inevitability, highlighting the interconnectedness of sleep and mortality. The presence of the incense burner and scattered musical instruments further emphasizes the theme of passing time and the ephemeral nature of life.