Sleeping Beauty

The Depiction of Sleeping Beauty in the Wood

In the quietude of the forest, Sleeping Beauty by Maxfield Parrish captures a princess lost to a deep, undisturbed slumber. Painted in 1912, this oil on canvas mounted on panel presents a scene of profound stillness. The princess rests upon a soft pile of leaves, her form draped in a blue cape that holds her against the earth. Her long blond hair cascades down her shoulders like silk, catching the light as she breathes in the stillness of the woods. One might wonder if the very air around her has slowed to match her rhythmic, quiet breathing.

The atmosphere is thick with a dreamlike quality, a vision that once graced the November cover of Hearst's Magazine in 1912. Around the central figure, the details of the natural world and the presence of others create a sense of watchful peace. The scene is defined by these specific elements:

• A princess resting in a peaceful, deep repose.
• A blue cape covering the sleeping figure.
• Long blond hair cascading over the shoulders.
• Maidens at the center of the composition, crowned in garlands of flowers.

Every element contributes to this suspended moment. The lushness of the woods surrounds her, creating a sanctuary where time seems to have ceased its movement. The presence of the flower-crowned maidens adds a layer of ritualistic grace to the woodland setting, ensuring the princess remains the heart of this silent, enchanted grove.

Composition and Visual Elements of the Scene

The princess remains the central focus of this quiet moment, resting in a deep, undisturbed repose. She lies with her eyes closed, her long blond hair cascading down onto her shoulders. A blue cape covers her as she rests upon a pile of leaves, nestled within a landscape of lush trees. Above her, a dreamy purple sky stretches across the horizon, casting a soft light over the entire scene.

Around the sleeping figure, several observers gather in the stillness. Two women sit close together, their presence adding to the quietude of the woods. Nearby, a man stands watching, his posture caught in the same suspended animation as the rest of the assembly. The arrangement of these figures creates a sense of watchful peace, as if the very air is holding its breath to avoid disturbing her slumber.

The visual details ground the fantastical setting in a tangible reality:

• A potted plant rests near the bottom right corner of the frame.
• The princess is crowned in garlands of flowers.
• Soft pastel colors wash over the woods and the sky.

Exhibition History and Provenance of the Work

The history of this piece carries it through significant moments of public viewing and private collection. It once traveled to Tokyo, Japan, where it found a place within the halls of the Isetan Museum of Art. During a retrospective dedicated to the artist's life and vision, held from April 20 to May 16, 1995, this specific work appeared as number 56 in the exhibition lineup.

The movement of the painting through the art world continues to trace its path from one setting to another. It has been part of notable collections and public displays, including its presence in a Christie's sale in New York on 20 May 2010. The records of its passage include:

• Exhibited at the Isetan Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan
• Featured in the Maxfield Parrish: A Retrospective exhibition (1995)
• Christie's sale in New York, May 2010

Each appearance marks a moment where the princess and her dreamlike surroundings meet the eyes of a new audience. The provenance remains documented through these specific instances of exhibition and sale.