Sweet Pleasing Sleep! (no title)

Date1756

Engraver James McArdell

After work by Philippe Mercier (1689 - 1760)

OriginEngland, London

MediumMezzotint engraving

DimensionsOH: 13 1/2" x OW: 9 1/2"; Plate H: 12 7/8" x W: 8 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1956-289,A

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "P. Mercier invent & Pinx.t/ J.s M.cArdell fecit/ Sweet Pleasing Sleep! of all the Pow'rs the best!/ O Peace of mind! Repairer of Decay!/ Whose Balms renew the Limbs & Labours of the Day,/ Care shuns thy soft approach, and Sullen flies away./ Dryden./ Publish'd 1756, and Sold at the Golden head in Covent Garden."
Label TextA young lady has fallen asleep in her chair. She is shown facing forward with her head leaning to the left. She wears a cap and a shawl which has fallen away and leaves her neck uncovered. Her hands, on her lap, are holding a needle and stocking. She has fallen asleep while sewing. In the backgound is a cupboard with dishes and plates.

The lower margin reads:
Sweet Pleasing Sleep! of all the Pow'rs the best!
O Peace of mind! Repairer of Decay!
Whose Balms renew the Limbs & Labours of the Day,
Care shuns thy soft approach, and Sullen flies away.
Dryden.