Sleeping Children
Artist
William H. Rinehart
(American, 1825 - 1874)
Date1870
MediumMarble
DimensionsOverall: 15 1/2 x 36 1/2 x 18in. (39.4 x 92.7 x 45.7cm)
On pedestal: 40 x 20 x 42 (high) inches
On pedestal: 40 x 20 x 42 (high) inches
ClassificationsSCULPTURE
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Terms
Object number84.48
Description On View
Not on viewCollections
CopyrightNo known copyright restrictions.
Label TextThe notion of children as innocents was a popular theme during the Victorian age and in no other art form is this more evident than in the sculpture of the time. William Rinehart's Sleeping Children embodies in marble the serene faces of two toddlers resting on a cushioned bed, eyes closed, curls languid upon a soft pillow. In the hands of the sculptor the marble becomes as soft as the tender skin of the children he portrays. Dimpled toes peek out from beneath folds of material. The pudgy cheek of the younger child rests upon the shoulder of the older one, whose lips are slightly parted. One can almost smell sweet breath emanating from them. The younger child tenderly embraces the other who lies in relaxed abandon in a world of dreams.
Sandra Vázquez
1997 Diversity Intern
