Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Philip Wilson Steer died in 1942; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2012.
In context
Sleep — Philip Wilson Steer
The original measures 90 × 132 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 82 at death.
Painted when the artist was 38. The artist lived to 82. 43 of the 100 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Philip Wilson Steer (1860–1942) ▲ this work, 1898 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1892 Main working years: 1892–1910 Late works: from 1910
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/philip-wilson-steer-sleep-AQS8VZ-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Phthalo Green #302c1a
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 52.7% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 125 works by this artist, of which 47 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
About this artwork
Sleep — Philip Wilson Steer
The painting Sleep by Philip Wilson Steer is a captivating work of art that exudes serenity and tranquility. Created in 1898, this oil on canvas piece measures 90 x 132 cm and is a testament to the artist's skill in capturing the subtleties of human emotion.
Philip Wilson Steer was a British artist known for his impressionist style, which emphasized the play of light and color. His works often featured everyday scenes, such as landscapes and interiors, but it is his portraits that truly showcase his mastery of capturing the human experience.
The painting Sleep depicts a woman lying on her side in bed, surrounded by the comforts of her bedroom. The room is filled with warm, golden light, which casts a soothing glow over the entire scene. The woman's face is relaxed, her features soft and peaceful, as she succumbs to the allure of sleep. The use of red in the dress and sheets adds a pop of color to the otherwise muted palette, drawing the viewer's eye to the subject.
The Museum of Croydon in the United Kingdom is home to numerous masterpieces, including works by renowned artists like John Singer Sargent and Edward Coley Burne-Jones. For more information on these artists and their works, visit /art/list/?Filter=john+singer+sargent,john,singer,sargent& or /art/list/?Filter=edward+coley+burne+jones,edward,coley,burne,jones&.
The painting Sleep is characterized by Steer's use of soft brushstrokes and muted colors, which create a sense of intimacy and quiet contemplation. The artist's emphasis on light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the scene, drawing the viewer into the peaceful world of the painting.
For more information on Philip Wilson Steer and his works, visit /en/art/show/art-aqs8vz-en/
To learn more about the Museum of Croydon and its collection, visit /art/list/?Filter=A@D3AR3V-Discovering-the-Artworks-of-Museum-Of-Croydon-(United-Kingdom)
The painting Sleep by Philip Wilson Steer is a beautiful example of the artist's skill in capturing the subtleties of human emotion. Its soothing palette and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-see for anyone interested in impressionist art.
Artist and museum
Born in Birkenhead, United Kingdom
Philip Wilson Steer, born in Birkenhead in 1860, emerged from a family deeply rooted in the artistic world—his father was both a portrait painter and a dedicated art teacher. This early exposure proved formative, nurturing a sensibility that would define his life’s path. A relocation to Whitchurch near Monmouth when he was just three years old instilled a connection with the British countryside that would resonate throughout his oeuvre. His formal education began at Hereford Cathedral School, providing a foundational grounding before he wholeheartedly pursued his artistic ambitions. Steer's training continued at the Gloucester School of Art and the South Kensington Drawing Schools, but it was his sojourn to Paris between 1880 and 1884 that proved truly transformative. Studying at the Académie Julian and later under Alexandre Cabanel at the École des Beaux Arts, he encountered a world brimming with new ideas and approaches to painting.
Paris became a crucible for Steer’s artistic development. He was profoundly moved by the works of Édouard Manet and James McNeill Whistler, absorbing their innovative techniques in capturing light, color, and atmosphere. This exposure ignited within him a passion for Impressionism, yet he never simply replicated it. Steer skillfully blended these French influences with his inherent English sensibilities, forging a style uniquely his own. His paintings are characterized by a remarkable ability to seize fleeting moments—the play of sunlight on water, the ephemeral quality of coastal air. He employed loose brushstrokes and vibrant colors not merely to depict scenes but to evoke emotions and create an immersive sense of immediacy. Recurring themes in his work include beach scenes and seascapes, often bathed in silvery, translucent light, demonstrating a mastery of depicting the freshness and luminosity of these environments. Works like The Music Room, early in his career, showcase his burgeoning skill with composition and light, while pieces such as Girls Running: Walberswick Pier burst with the energy and vibrancy of a Suffolk coastal town.
Steer wasn’t content to simply paint; he actively shaped the artistic landscape of Britain. He played a pivotal role in establishing the New English Art Club, an organization dedicated to championing modern artistic expression—a bold move at a time when traditional tastes still held sway. Through this platform and regular exhibitions at the Royal Academy, including participation in the groundbreaking London Impressionist Exhibition of 1889, he helped introduce new ideas and challenge conventional norms. His time spent at the Etaples art colony in 1887 further refined his artistic vision. This vibrant community of artists provided a stimulating environment for experimentation and collaboration, solidifying his ability to capture light and atmosphere with increasing nuance and skill. Steer drew inspiration from a diverse range of masters—John Constable, J.M.W. Turner, and even François Boucher—but always filtered these influences through his own unique perspective.
Philip Wilson Steer continued to paint prolifically until health issues forced him to stop in 1940, passing away two years later at the age of 81. His contributions were widely recognized during his lifetime, culminating in an Order of Merit. Today, his works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Tate Gallery and even the Uffizi Gallery—a testament to his international acclaim. Beyond his paintings themselves, Steer’s legacy extends through his long tenure as a painting tutor at the Slade School of Art. For many years, he profoundly influenced generations of young artists, imparting not only technical skills but also a deep appreciation for observation and artistic integrity. His contribution to the development and acceptance of Impressionism in Britain is undeniable, solidifying his place as a significant figure in British art history—a painter who successfully bridged the gap between tradition and modernity, leaving an enduring mark on the landscape of British art. Notable works like Convalescent, with its rich textures and evocative gaze, and The Teme at Ludlow, highlighting serene beauty and masterful brushwork, continue to captivate audiences today, demonstrating the timeless quality of his artistic vision.
originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/philip-wilson-steer-sleep-AQS8VZ-en/
Look closely
Sleep — Philip Wilson Steer
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
"Sleep" by Philip Wilson Steer has a dark luminance. Luminance describes how much light the colors appear to reflect.
"Sleep" by Philip Wilson Steer is a landscape composition measuring 90 x 132 cm in the original.
"Sleep" by Philip Wilson Steer shows a serene contrast between its light and dark areas.