The Winged and Poppied Sleep

I first discovered Simeon Solomons sketch, ‘The Winged and Poppied Sleep’ back in the 80’s and whenever I’m in Aberdeen art gallery I try to visit it and every time I do, I’m still struck by the beauty, skill of execution and the sadness that surrounds his work.

Solomon, born in London into a well-off, Jewish business family was something of a child prodigy, exhibiting at the Royal Academy at just 18.

Two of his older siblings also had successful artistic careers, and in this setting, Solomon flourished as an artist.

Not only a talented artist Solomon was also an accomplished poet. His most famous work, published in 1871 was 'A Vision of Love Revealed in Sleep'. 'The Winged and Poppied Sleep' (1889) was one of many drawings in which he explored this poetic theme.

The figure of Sleep wears a garland of poppies, which in classical times were associated with sleep and death, they also hint at the prevalence of opiate drug use (specifically opium) during the Victorian era.

Much of Solomons work throughout the 1860s and early 70s put him at the forefront of the new 'aesthetic' in art, however his subject matter, often pretty androgenous young men in mythic settings began to attract the hostility of the press.

Then, in February 1873 at the height of his career, Solomon was arrested and charged with the crime of homosexual offences. His reputation and career never recovered.

He continued to work, but his commissions were now sporadic and many of his former associates publicly shunned him. However, he continued to work on paper and when he was destitute, occasionally living on the streets, the pavements served as his canvas. Turning increasingly to alcohol he died 1905 at the St. Giles Workhouse, London

In the subsequent years Solomons work has gained the long overdue recognition it deserves and his drawings and watercolours in auction are highly sought after. Hopefully this long neglected wonderful artist will continue to find new audiences.

Self-Portrait

1859