Kunstnerens fader og moder sover til middag 1833

This delicate drawing was made by Christen Købke, capturing his parents sleeping at midday. The motif of slumber has ancient roots, often symbolizing rest, peace, and vulnerability. Consider how the depiction of sleep varies across cultures. In ancient Greece, Hypnos, the god of sleep, was revered, while in Christian iconography, sleep can represent spiritual ignorance or temptation. Here, the intimate portrayal of Købke's parents evokes a sense of domestic tranquility. Yet, sleep also hints at the passage of time and the transience of life. Think of the countless artistic representations of the "Sleeping Ariadne," a symbol of abandonment and rediscovery, echoing through Renaissance paintings and beyond. This image, seemingly simple, resonates with universal themes of family, mortality, and the quiet moments that shape our memories. The cycle continues.