Somnolency

Artist William Etty (York, England, 1787 - 1849)

Date1838

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 75.6 cm, Width: 63.8 cm
Frame: Height: 106.1 cm, Width: 93.9 cm

AcquisitionAlexander Macdonald Bequest, 1901.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationOn Display - Gallery 18

Object numberABDAG003408

Keywords

About MeWilliam Etty was one of few British Victorian painters to specialise almost exclusively in the nude and his paintings were frequently attacked by critics for their alleged indecency. His major works were often mythological in content, sometimes on an ambitious scale, but more greatly appreciated now are life studies such as this, that have been worked up into finished paintings.

'Somnus', from which the word somnolency derives, was the Roman god of sleep. This painting, above all, conveys a sense of human vulnerability combined with mysticism. The figure wears a garland of poppies entwined through her hair: the sleep-inducing properties of this flower were well known to the ancients and symbolise slumber.

Adopted by Angelyn Theng and Edmund Lai

To find out how to 'Adopt an Artwork' please email AAGMSupport-Us@aberdeencity.gov.uk

More About Me

Collections Wall

Queen Victoria as her subjects never saw her? The title refers to Somnus, the Roman god of Sleep. Yet the figure, despite the poppies in her hair, seems to have a fashionable Victorian hair style.

Exhibitions

Gallery 18 - People & Portraits