Vrouw in profiel naar rechts en het hoofd van een slapende man 1620 - 1664

This delicate drawing by Stefano della Bella, made in the 17th century, features a woman in profile and a sleeping man, seemingly unrelated, yet deeply connected by the universal language of human expression. The motif of sleep has long symbolized introspection and vulnerability, seen as far back as ancient Roman funerary art, where sleeping figures represented eternal rest. This vulnerable, almost melancholic, depiction of sleep is echoed in later works like Caravaggio's "Sleeping Cupid," a testament to sleep as a powerful emotive symbol. Consider also the profile portrait of the woman, facing resolutely forward. We see her captured in profile - a tradition stretching back to ancient coins and Renaissance portraiture, suggesting self-possession and perhaps even a hint of defiance. Together, these images speak to the delicate balance between inner reflection and outward presentation. These archetypes tap into our collective memory, evoking a deep, almost subconscious response. Ultimately, the power of these symbols lies in their ability to transcend time and culture. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, reflecting the non-linear, cyclical progression of human experience.