Artwork preview

Sleeping Monsters

John Hamilton Mortimer

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of fantastical creatures sleeping by the water. The drawing depicts a cluster of monstrous beings resting at the edge of a body of water. The creatures have a hybrid appearance with features resembling both humans and animals, including horns and scales. The detailed line work captures the texture of their skin and the ripples in the water. The surrounding landscape includes water, grass, and skeletal remains on the ground.

Artwork Details

Date
1780
Medium
etching on pale blue-green paper
Dimensions
10130 × 7462 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original