The artwork titled “Asleep with Book” was created by the renowned American artist Norman Rockwell in 1929. Embodying the Regionalism art movement, this genre painting encapsulates the everyday experiences and social narratives characteristic of Rockwell’s oeuvre.
In the artwork, a man is depicted asleep in an armchair with a book resting open on his lap, suggesting that he has dozed off while reading. His head is tilted backward, and his mouth is open, indicating a deep, undisturbed slumber. In his right hand, he holds a smoking pipe, which has tilted precariously, perhaps indicating the moment he succumbed to sleep. A cat sits beside him, also appearing quite relaxed, reinforcing the scene’s overall peacefulness and sense of domestic comfort.
The armchair and ottoman showcase rich floral patterns, and a small table to the man’s side holds a lamp with a tasseled shade, adding to the cozy ambiance. Above the man, the artwork features an arched inset, pictorially narrating various scenes with different characters, illustrating a dream or imagined sequence. These fantastical vignettes contrast with the realism of the sleeping man, offering a commentary on the power of literature and the imagination while providing a visual juxtaposition. The style in which Rockwell rendered the figures is consistent with his illustrative technique that focuses on the warmth and approachability of his subjects.
