1790
oil
copper
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
A Sleeping Nymph Watched by a Shepherd is a 1790 oil by Angelica Kauffmann, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting depicts a serene scene of a sleeping nymph, watched over by a shepherd. The nymph is dressed in a flowing yellow gown, reclining on the ground with her head resting on a rock. The shepherd stands nearby, holding a staff in his right hand and gazing at the nymph with a gentle expression. The shepherd is attired in a red tunic and blue shorts, with a white cloth wrapped around his left arm. A small cherub is positioned behind him, holding a bow and arrow. The background of the painting features a picturesque landscape with trees, hills, and a cloudy sky. The use of chiaroscuro in this painting adds depth and dimension to the scene, highlighting the contrast between light and dark. To learn more about this technique, explore the concept of chiaroscuro.
Maria Anna Angelika Kauffmann, usually known in English as Angelica Kauffman, was a Swiss painter who had a successful career in London and Rome.
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