George William Joy, An Eastern Girl
Pietro Antonio Rotari, Sleeping Girl
Frederic Leighton, Cymon & Iphigenia,
Flaming June
19th century painters have often been criticised for depicting women as prone, passive objects. (the Rotari looks like it's from the 18th century). There is some truth to this charge, but the energetic reds and oranges in these works provide an antidote to the subject matter.
In Hinduism, the Goddess is invoked in many different aspects, one of which is Shri Nidra (Sleep). Sleep is often devalued in the West, despite the fact that it is essential for life and creativity.
