The Somnambula

Copied Randolph Rogers, The Somnambula, modeled 1863-1864, marble, 47 1⁄8 x 15 7⁄8 x 20 1⁄8 in. (119.8 x 40.2 x 51.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Fortunato Porotto, 1962.11.2
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
The Somnambula
Artist
Date
modeled 1863-1864
Location
Dimensions
47 1⁄8 x 15 7⁄8 x 20 1⁄8 in. (119.8 x 40.2 x 51.0 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Fortunato Porotto
Mediums
Mediums Description
marble
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure female — nude
  • Figure female — full length
  • State of being — other — sleep
  • Literature — Donizetti — Somnambula
Object Number
1962.11.2
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1962.11.2

Artwork Description

In 1855-56, Randolph Rogers first conceived of The Somnambula as a partner piece to his popular statue Nydia. The Somnambula, or "the sleepwalker," relates to Somnus, the Roman god of sleep, but Rogers probably based this figure on Vincenzo Bellini's popular nineteenth-century opera La Sonnambula. The heroine of the opera, Amina, sleepwalks into the room of another man, whom she mistakes for her fiancé Elvino. In a jealous rage, Elvino accuses her of having a lover, who, to no avail, pleads with him that they are not in love, but that she is a "sleepwalker." Elvino realizes his mistake when Amina, lamp in her hand, sleepwalks across a bridge and almost falls, but is awakened and rescued.