The SleeperТамара де Лемпицка · 1932

Identification of The Sleeper by Tamara de Lempicka

The Sleeper by Tamara de Lempicka presents a quiet moment of repose, capturing a woman lost in peaceful slumber. Created in 1932, this work emerges as a significant example of the Art Deco movement. The subject lies in a state of rest, her form defined by the sharp, geometric precision that characterizes this era. She is a nude young woman, her presence marked by platinum-blonde curls that possess a distinct, metallic sheen. This luminous hair catches the light, contrasting against the stillness of her pose.

In this portrait, the artist focuses on the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability. The woman’s head rests gently upon her folded arm, her features relaxed in sleep. Every line of her body contributes to a sense of modern elegance, embodying the sophisticated aesthetic of the early 1930s. The composition holds a certain sculptural weight, turning a private moment of rest into a structured, stylized vision of femininity.

Composition and Visual Elements

A sense of profound stillness settles over the scene as the woman rests in a state of peaceful slumber. Her face, relaxed and heavy with sleep, leans gently upon her folded arm. A striking contrast emerges between the pale, luminescent quality of her skin and the deep, dark grey background that surrounds her. This shadow creates a void that pushes the subject forward, making her presence feel immediate and sculptural. She lies upon a bed of crumpled white sheets, the fabric folding in ways that catch the light and create a sense of tactile depth.

The visual language of the piece relies on a deliberate tension between soft organic forms and rigid geometry. Sharp lines and defined contours trace the shape of her body, while geometrical shapes underpin the overall structure of the composition. Her bare shoulder and back turn toward the viewer, inviting a gaze into this private, quiet moment. Amidst the muted tones of the bedding and the background, sudden bursts of color command attention. Her lips are a bright, saturated red, a hue mirrored by the precise, red-painted fingernails that rest against the pale skin.

Technique and Artistic Materials

The oil on canvas surface reveals a world of polished precision. Every brushstroke remains almost invisible, smoothed away to create a surface that feels more like sculpted stone than mere pigment. This meticulous application allows for a sensual modelling of the human form, where light and shadow define the curves of the body with a sharp, architectural clarity. The skin possesses a peculiar, luminous quality, appearing as though it is caught in the soft, silver glow of moonlight.

A striking visual tension emerges from the way colors collide on the panel. The pale, luminous tones of the woman's skin cut sharply against the deep, dark blue of the background. This contrast pushes the figure forward, making her presence feel immediate and heavy. The textures of the crumpled white sheet and the smooth, metallic sheen of her blonde curls add layers of tactile interest to the composition, grounding the stylized figure in a moment of quiet, physical repose.

Provenance and Collection History

The journey of this painting begins in the hands of the artist herself. In 1930, Evelyne Artus of the USA acquires the work directly from Tamara de Lempicka. From there, the piece moves through the quiet corridors of private ownership. It remains within a private collection in the USA, passed down through a lineage of descent, holding its place in the shadows of history for decades.

The stillness of its private life eventually gives way to the public eye. On 15 May 1997, the work appears at Christie's in New York. It is during this period of transition that the painting finds its way through the hands of Worth Avenue Fine Arts, Inc. (Stephen E. Myers) in Palm Beach. The current owner takes possession of the piece in 1997, ensuring its continued presence in the modern era.

Exhibition and Literature History

The presence of this painting in public spaces spans decades and continents. It finds its way into the light of the Julien Levy Gallery in New York in 1941, appearing before audiences far from the artist's origins. Years earlier, the work occupied the walls of the Galerie Ror Volmar in Paris, a space where it remained part of the visual conversation between 1930 and 1960. Later, the piece travels to the Hiroshima Museum of Fine Arts, where it is exhibited in 1997.

Scholars and collectors track its lineage through meticulous records. The work is identified within the definitive catalogue raisonné of the artist's life's work, appearing as number B.136. This placement ensures its place in the ongoing study of her contributions to the Art Deco era. The history of the piece is documented through various publications and exhibitions that trace its movement from private hands into the public eye.

Documented Interpretations and Artistic Debates

The figure in repose exists as a bold, highly stylized, and sensual depiction of a femme fatale. She embodies the very spirit of the Art Deco age, capturing a specific moment of modern elegance. Her presence suggests a quiet power, even in sleep. The way she rests her head upon her arm creates a sense of profound stillness that defines the era's aesthetic.

There is a palpable connection between this woman and the silver screen. Her specific look—the platinum hair and the heavy, deliberate makeup—mirrors the glamorous Hollywood film stars of the early 1930s, such as Greta Garbo and Carole Lombard. This visual language links the painting to the cinematic atmosphere of the 1920s and 30s. She is a creature of the camera and the spotlight, even when her eyes are closed and her world is silent.