Artwork
Woman in Cradle
Woman in Cradle is a print by Aristide Maillol. It dates from 1925 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Aristide Maillol’s 1925 print titled *Woman in Cradle* is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The image presents a reclining female figure placed within a modest wooden cradle, set against a muted background that emphasizes a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a woman at rest, her head gently tipped and eyes closed, suggesting sleep or contemplation. The simplicity of the cradle and the lack of decorative elements focus attention on the figure’s relaxed posture, evoking a sense of calm and private repose.
Technique & Style
Executed in a naturalistic manner, the print emphasizes the curvature of the body and the soft flow of hair. Maillol employs chiaroscuro to model form, creating subtle contrasts that give depth to the figure and the plain wooden frame, while the subdued tonal background reinforces the tranquil mood.
History & Provenance
Created in 1925, the work entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings at an unspecified date. As a print by Maillol, it reflects the artist’s later interest in simplified, classical forms, and it remains an example of his printmaking practice during the interwar period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Aristide Joseph Bonaventure Maillol was a French Catalan sculptor, painter, and printmaker.
