The Interrupted Sleep
by BOUCHER, François, Oil on canvas, 82 x 75 cm
In this painting a young shepherdess has dozed off and is about to be awakened by a young swain, who sneaks up from behind and tickles her face with a bit of straw. The setting is rich and fertile, enlivened by sheep and a dog; vies from the distance balance the composition.
This painting is the pendant to the Love Letter (National Gallery of Art, Washington), another pastoral subject matching in size, composition and amorous theme.