BERLIN.- The Kupferstichkabinett at Berlin’s Gemäldegalerie invites visitors to explore the intriguing world of sleep and dreams in art with the exhibition "Are You Dreaming? Closed Eyes in Art," open until January 9, 2025. This unique presentation uncovers the subtle allure and complex symbolism behind sleeping figures, a recurring yet unexpected motif that provides artists with a canvas for mystery, sensuality, and imagination.

The Art of Sleep: Sensuality and Suspense

In visual art, sleep is not merely a physical state but also a gateway to the subconscious and the fantastic. Artists have long depicted sleeping figures to convey a state of vulnerability that heightens suspense for the viewer. Curator Mailena Mallach, an expert in early German drawings and prints at the Kupferstichkabinett, explains that sleep in art is “a field of exploration for artists, allowing them to delve into the less conventional and challenge artistic norms.”

The exhibition showcases how sleep offers artists the freedom to depict the human body in unusual postures, abandoning traditional ideals. The limp forms and distorted perspectives of sleeping bodies allowed artists to demonstrate their mastery of anatomy and perspective, exploring poses often inspired by classical and Italian examples. The theme of dreams also permitted artists to push boundaries, especially in the 16th century, when provocative themes and surreal creatures that wouldn’t otherwise be acceptable could be integrated into artistic works.

Iconic Dreamscapes and Mysteries

The exhibit features 19 prints and woodcuts from 1490 to 1560, including iconic works such as The Doctor's Dream by Albrecht Dürer, The Penance of Saint Chrysostom by Lucas Cranach the Elder, and The Bewitched Stableboy by Hans Baldung. These pieces represent some of the era’s most enigmatic artworks, whose meanings continue to spark debate among art historians.

In The Doctor's Dream, Dürer portrays a scholar asleep by a stove, unaware of the devil creeping up behind him with a bellows, seemingly intent on infusing his dreams with sinfulness. Cranach's depiction of Saint Chrysostom meditates on the tension between quietness and abundance, mirroring the relationship between sleep and dreams. In Baldung’s The Bewitched Stableboy, a young servant lies sprawled on the stable floor, and scholars have speculated on the possible narrative behind this unsettling scene, often interpreting it as a reflection on the artist’s struggle between imagination and order.

International Influence and Artistic Exchange

The exhibition also highlights the artistic exchange at the dawn of the 16th century, with pieces from figures like Italian engraver Jacopo de' Barbari, who worked in Germany, and Dutch artist Lucas van Leyden, a contemporary of Dürer. Their work underscores the vibrant cross-cultural interactions that shaped early Renaissance art. Another notable piece is by Melchior Lorck, a Lübeck-born artist who spent time in Istanbul and depicted a serene, sleeping woman in one of his etchings.

A Journey Through Dreams

Visitors are encouraged to meander through the exhibit as if wandering through a dream, with the art displayed in its original mounts and frames. This approach invites viewers to delve into subjects that extend beyond sleep, creating an immersive experience that mirrors the unpredictable nature of dreams.

"Are You Dreaming? Closed Eyes in Art" sheds light on sleep as a motif that not only evokes vulnerability but also symbolizes freedom of thought and expression, offering a rare glimpse into the fantastical realms of Renaissance imagination. Curated by Mailena Mallach, this exhibition is a must-see for those interested in the mysteries of art and the subconscious.