The Siesta

Albert Besnard (1849-1934) was a French painter known for his decorative public commissions and his influence on the development of French art education in the early 20th century. The Siesta from c. 1890-1920 depicts a resting figure in the intimate, informal manner that distinguishes Besnard's domestic subjects from his more public decorative commissions. The broad date range reflects Besnard's habit of returning to domestic subjects throughout his career, and the intimate scale and informal handling make this a more personal work than his large-scale mural decorations.

Besnard's domestic subjects like The Siesta are important because they show the personal side of an artist better known for his public decorative commissions. The painting's intimate scale and informal handling demonstrate that Besnard's decorative skill was not limited to large-scale public works but could be applied to the private, domestic subject with equal success. The broad date range reflects the continuing appeal of domestic subjects throughout Besnard's long career.

The Siesta is Besnard's domestic side: an intimate, informal work that shows the personal dimension of an artist better known for large-scale public decorations. The painting's intimate scale and personal handling demonstrate that Besnard's decorative skill extended from public murals to private domestic subjects.