When we paint a person or an animal sleeping soundly, sometimes it seems that we can also paint what they are dreaming about and the mysterious and internal world in which they are currently immersed. It is an indiscreet glance, we observe when that person is unconscious. But in the world of painting and illustration, it has been used a lot to express innocence and beauty. In addition, if those who sleep are children or beautiful maidens, the idea of innocence is enhanced.
The siesta (after Millet), by Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890), was painted between December 1889 and January 1890. 73 x 91 cm © RMN-Grand Palais (Musée d’Orsay) / Hervé Lewandowski.
Van Gogh made this painting inspired by a drawing by Millet and while he was in the Saint-Rémy mental asylum. Those who sleep are two farm workers, who surely, after work fatigue, enjoyed their nap.
