The Infant Jesus Sleeping
1850
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1850
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Dominant colour
The Infant Jesus Sleeping is a 1850 by Richard Earlom, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This print shows a sleeping baby lying on its back, one arm raised above its head. The baby’s body is soft and rounded, wrapped in a light cloth that drapes over its legs. Behind it, a dark, shadowy background hints at a night sky with a few trees and clouds. The artist used strong contrasts between light and dark to make the baby’s skin glow against the shadows. This helps draw attention to the baby’s peaceful face and relaxed pose. Look up chiaroscuro to see how this technique works in other art.
