Convalescent (Sleeping Woman with Flowers)

The title Sleeping Woman with Flowers is probably not an official title, but rather a succinct description of the scene. A half-sitting young woman, covered by a blanket, is holding a bouquet of roses. Her closed eyes depict more than a sleeping person, they represent her inner introvert state of mind. The woman is the artist’s sister Marie who often modelled for him, especially at the beginning of his career. Unlike the portrait called Sitting Woman (Portrait of a Girl) from 1906, resembling Whistler’s elegance, Marie looks delicate and vulnerable in this painting. The atmosphere is emphasized by the colours used: subdued tones of silver, grey, brown and ochre, which differ from painter’s usual lively palette, which is stressed only in the red roses and red details on the drapery in the background.

Ivo Binder