Sculptuur van een slapende vrouw 1831 - 1886

Here we see a drawing of a sculpture of a sleeping woman, made by Frans Molenaar in the 19th century. The drawing emerges from the cultural context of 19th-century Europe, where Neoclassical sculpture often idealized the female form as a symbol of beauty and serenity. This work invites us to consider the dynamics of looking and being looked at, particularly in relation to gender. The woman is depicted in repose, seemingly unaware of the viewer's gaze, which evokes questions about vulnerability, accessibility, and the power dynamics inherent in the act of representation. The drawing may challenge the male gaze by presenting the woman as an individual in a private moment, rather than as an object of desire. The intimate portrayal suggests a story, an identity, and the emotional complexity of a sleeping woman.