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Allegory of Sleep

This allegorical engraving depicts the personification of Sleep, a figure draped in flowing robes, seated with a staff. The figure's head is covered, obscuring the face, and a patterned cap is visible beneath the hood. The scene is rendered with intricate hatching and cross-hatching, characteristic of Baroque-era printmaking. Surrounding the central figure are symbolic elements, including what appear to be tusks or horns, and swirling forms that suggest clouds or smoke. The overall composition evokes a sense of quietude and repose, with the detailed textures of the drapery and background contributing to the artwork's depth and gravitas. The print includes a French inscription at the bottom, likely providing context or a poetic interpretation of the depicted scene.

Colour palette