The Sleepers


size(cm): 35x50
Price:
Sale price£146 GBP

Description

Gustave Courbet's The Sleepers shows the artist's interest in an erotic realism that became prevalent in his later work. The raw erotica is delivered without the aid of cupids or mythological justification of any kind, making this work vulgar for those with the prevailing flavor of the day.

An interesting feature of the painting is its provocative and realistic depiction of female nudity. The work shows two nude women lying together on a bed, their bodies relaxed and in a position that suggests they are sleeping. The painting was considered scandalous at the time for its explicit depiction of the female body and the fact that the women in the image appear to be sleeping together, which was considered a taboo subject.

Another interesting aspect of The Sleepers is Courbet's use of the palette knife painting technique. Instead of using brushes to create the image, the artist applied the paint with a palette knife for a more textured effect and to give it a sense of depth and three-dimensionality. This also allowed him to create more dramatic shadows and lighting on women's bodies.

Furthermore, it is believed that Courbet drew inspiration from working-class women for this work, which was unusual at a time when painting focused on high-society themes and characters. With this work, the artist was challenging the artistic and social conventions of his time, by representing nudity and female intimacy in a realistic and raw way.

Gustave Courbet's The Sleepers is a work of art that defied the artistic and social conventions of its time by depicting nudity and female intimacy in a realistic and provocative manner. The palette knife painting technique used by Courbet is also an interesting feature of the work, as it gives it a sense of depth and texture.

The Sleepers is ranked no. 31 on the list of famous paintings

Recently Viewed