Artwork

The Sleeping Soldier

The Sleeping Soldier, by Carle Vernet, 1820
The Sleeping Soldier, by Carle Vernet, 1820

The Sleeping Soldier is a print by the Romanticist artist Carle Vernet. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Sleeping Soldier, a print by Carle Vernet, dates to circa 1820 and is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a soldier at rest in a serene landscape, leaning against a tree trunk, accompanied by a horse and a dog in the background. The scene conveys a sense of peacefulness, contrasting the typical depiction of soldiers in active duty.

Technique & Style

Vernet employed muted colors, with selective detailing in the soldier's coat and the horse's saddle and bridle. The strategic use of light and shadow enhances depth, inviting the viewer into the idyllic scene, aligning with Romanticism's dreamy, naturalistic tendencies.

History & Provenance

Created around 1820, the print is now held by The Cleveland Museum of Art, though specific details of its acquisition history are not provided here.

Context

The piece reflects the Romantic era's emphasis on emotion and tranquility in nature, offering a unique portrayal of military life in a state of repose rather than action.

Legacy

As a characteristic example of Romanticism in printmaking, The Sleeping Soldier contributes to the broader understanding of the movement's influence on depictions of everyday and military life in early 19th-century art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Carle Vernet

Artist

Carle Vernet

Antoine Charles Horace Vernet, better known as Carle Vernet, was a French painter, the youngest child of painter Claude-Joseph Vernet and the father of painter Horace Vernet.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.