A Girl Asleep by Johannes Vermeer

A Girl Asleep

Johannes Vermeer · 1657

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“Observe the quiet intimacy of a young woman asleep at a table, surrounded by subtle clues about her recent company. This painting is a prime example of Dutch Golden Age genre art, inviting contemplation on everyday life.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

A young woman has fallen asleep at a table, her head resting on her hand, in this quiet interior scene. The painting captures a moment of domestic stillness, a common theme in Dutch Golden Age art, but with a subtle narrative suggested by the objects around her. On the table, a wine pitcher, a tipped-over glass, and a fruit bowl hint at recent activity or perhaps a guest who has just departed. The rich textures and warm light draw the viewer into the intimate space, from the folds of the rug to the intricate patterns on the Chinese bowl. This work, created around 1657, offers a glimpse into the private life of a middle-class home, emphasizing contemplation and the passage of time.

DETAILS
Artist
Johannes Vermeer
Date
1657
Location
Metropolitan Museum of Art
ART MOVEMENTS
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What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

A Girl Asleep
01

The intricate pattern of the Turkish rug draped over the table.

02

The tipped-over wine glass, suggesting a recent, perhaps hasty, departure.

03

The Chinese fruit bowl, a luxurious import and symbol of temptation.

04

The mirror on the far wall, reflecting the empty room behind the sleeping woman.

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THE ARTIST

Johannes Vermeer

1632–1675 · Dutch Republic

Vermeer painted just 34 known works, yet became one of history's most beloved masters of light.

Read Vermeer’s full story
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More works to explore

Beyond Vermeer and Baroque: works from the same years, and from the other movements A Girl Asleep belongs to.

Anna van der Aar (born 1576/77, died after 1626) Same movement · Dutch Golden Age painting Anna van der Aar (born 1576/77, died after 1626) Frans Hals · 1626 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Portrait of Catrina Hoogsaet Same era · 1640s–1670s Portrait of Catrina Hoogsaet Rembrandt · 1657 · National Trust Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol (born about 1599, died 1671 or later) Same movement · Dutch Golden Age painting Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol (born about 1599, died 1671 or later) Rembrandt · 1626 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Frans Hals (1582/83–1666) Same era · 1640s–1670s Frans Hals (1582/83–1666) Frans Hals · 1650 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art portrait of Count Ludwig VI. von Hessen-Darmstadt Same era · 1640s–1670s portrait of Count Ludwig VI. von Hessen-Darmstadt Salomon Duarte · 1660 · Bavarian State Painting Collections A lady holding a crucifix Same era · 1640s–1670s A lady holding a crucifix Willem van der Vliet · 1650 The Denial of Saint Peter Same era · 1640s–1670s The Denial of Saint Peter Georges de La Tour · 1650 · Nantes Museum of Arts Resurrection of Christ Same era · 1640s–1670s Resurrection of Christ Samuel van Hoogstraten · 1665 · Art Institute of Chicago
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