Who painted Three Girls asleep under a Tent - Morning?

Three Girls asleep under a Tent - Morning was painted by Thomas Barker.

Where can I see Three Girls asleep under a Tent - Morning?

Three Girls asleep under a Tent - Morning is held by Ashmolean Museum.

Artwork

Three Girls asleep under a Tent - Morning

Three Girls asleep under a Tent - Morning is an oil painting by Thomas Barker. It is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.

About this work

Overview

Thomas Barker’s oil work titled *Three Girls asleep under a Tent – Morning* presents a quiet domestic scene. The canvas measures a modest size and is part of the Ashmolean Museum’s collection, where it is on public display. The composition centers on three young women reclining together beneath a tent, their heads gently resting on one another, evoking a moment of shared repose.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a tranquil interlude, emphasizing intimacy and rest. The three figures, dressed in loose, unstructured garments, appear absorbed in sleep, suggesting themes of innocence, companionship, and the quiet passage of morning. The tent’s enveloping fabric creates a protective enclosure, reinforcing the sense of safety and serenity that pervades the scene.

Technique & Style

Barker employs a restrained palette of muted tones, allowing the soft light to model the figures with delicate gradations of shadow. The rendering of flesh and drapery relies on gentle curves and subtle chiaroscuro, giving the bodies a three‑dimensional presence. The overall effect is one of calm, with the painter’s handling of oil paint producing a smooth, almost velvety surface.

History & Provenance

Created by the 18th‑century English artist Thomas Barker, the work entered the Ashmolean Museum’s holdings through acquisition in the early 20th century. Since its arrival, it has been exhibited periodically, offering visitors insight into Barker’s genre scenes and his approach to everyday subjects rendered with quiet dignity.