Sleep
The Met
Artist: Pierre Puvis de Chavannes(French, Lyons 1824–1898 Paris)
Date: ca. 1867–70
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 26 1/8 x 41 3/4 in. (66.4 x 106 cm)
Credit Line: Theodore M. Davis Collection, Bequest of Theodore M. Davis, 1915
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
Figures sleeping in a field under a large tree, bright moon over the sea
Detailed Description
The scene depicts a nocturnal landscape with numerous figures resting in the foreground. A large, luminous full moon dominates the upper left, casting a bright reflection across a wide body of water that stretches across the middle ground. Distant land masses are faintly visible on the far horizon under a dark blue sky. In the foreground, a grassy field occupies the lower half of the image, rendered in muted greens and browns. On the right side, a large, dark tree with sparse foliage extends upwards, its branches reaching towards the top right corner. Beneath the tree, a structure resembling a thatched hut or shelter is partially visible. A cluster of figures, appearing to be adults and children, are closely grouped on the right, under the tree. One central figure, possibly a man with a white beard, lies on his back, partially covered by a white cloth, with his arm raised behind his head. Other figures, some wrapped in dark cloaks or blankets in muted tones of brown, grey, and reddish-brown, are nestled around him, some appearing to hold or comfort smaller figures. Towards the left and center foreground, more figures are seen resting on the ground, some partially obscured by mounds of earth or hay. Their postures show them lying down, consistent with sleep or deep rest. The overall lighting is dim, illuminated primarily by the moon, creating soft highlights and deep shadows across the scene.
Generated by gemini-2.5-flash
