Eddie and Old Man Morpheus

1931

Eddie and Old Man Morpheus, 1931. Carl Gaertner (American, 1898–1952). Oil on canvas; framed: 193.6 x 163.2 x 6.5 cm (76 1/4 x 64 1/4 x 2 9/16 in.); overall: 182.5 x 153 cm (71 7/8 x 60 1/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Shuree Abrams 1999.238 © Carl Gaertner In this rendering of an artist’s studio in downtown Cleveland, Gaertner portrayed an artist friend, probably Edward Dubrowski, sleeping in a chair before an easel. It remains open to interpretation whether the artist might have become exhausted from his labors, or may be taking a break in order to spark inspiration. The painting’s whimsical title refers to Morpheus, the ancient Greek god of sleep.