Bedtime 1890

Paul Peel's "Bedtime," at the National Gallery of Canada, is an oil on canvas painting, which speaks volumes about class and labor in the late 19th century. The smooth, almost photographic finish of the painting shows Peel's skill, an effect only achievable through countless hours of meticulous work. Note the contrast between the luxurious fabrics - the mother's plum-colored dress, the child's satin bow, and the ornate wallpaper. These are the products of extensive global trade networks and complex labor systems, a testament to the family's affluence. The very act of creating such a detailed, non-commissioned painting was a privilege, afforded by a society where artistic skill could be divorced from more obviously productive labor. Considering the materials, the making, and the social context, the painting invites us to consider the complex relationships between art, labor, and social class. It asks us to look beyond the sentimental subject matter, and to see the painting as a product of its time.