Victorian Lesbians Desk Mat, Gustave Courbet, 1866, Pride Month

This design is from the Victorian, erotic, oil painting "Le Sommeil" (The Sleepers) by French artist Gustave Courbet in 1866.

PLEASE NOTE that the image was taken from a painting over 150 years old, with all of its chips, cracks and other imperfections kept intact. It was not edited to remove imperfections caused by time in order to preserve the authenticity of the original artwork and provide historical context. By maintaining the aged appearance and flaws, the image reflects the true character of the original piece and serves as a reminder of its journey through time.

"The Sleepers" is a breathtaking oil painting created by the French realist artist Gustave Courbet in 1866. The painting depicts two women, both naked, lying in a peaceful embrace on a mattress in a sparsely furnished room. The figures are depicted as being lost in a deep sleep, and the scene is bathed in a warm, golden light.

In this painting, Courbet's focus on reality is evident in his attention to detail and his rejection of idealized representations of the human form. Instead, he sought to depict the bodies of ordinary people, with all of their imperfections and individuality, and this is reflected in the naturalistic depictions of the two women in "The Sleepers." The golden light creates a sense of intimacy and tenderness, and the stillness of the scene invites the viewer to contemplate the beauty and mystery of the human form.

The painting depicts a tender moment between two lovers, both women. This interpretation is supported by the close physical proximity of the figures and the intimate atmosphere of the scene. The painting is a powerful representation of love and affection between two women and speaks to the diversity of human relationships.

"The Sleepers" was considered controversial in its time, but it is now considered a masterpiece of Courbet's oeuvre and a landmark of French Realism. Through this painting, Courbet has created a scene of profound stillness and quietude, and has imbued his subjects with a sense of timelessness and humanity. The painting stands as a testament to the beauty and power of love, regardless of the gender of those involved.

The painting is also known as the "Les Deux Amies" (Two Friends) and "Paresse et Luxure" (Indolence and Lust). It created an impact in 19th-century art, because after it's public display, a number of contemporary artists were influenced by the theme of lesbian couples. Repetition of this theme, over time, helped to lower the taboos associated with lesbian relationships.

This desk mat is perfect for that extra personal touch at work or in your home office. Made of 0.16" (4mm) thick neoprene material, it has an anti-slip backing and a hemmed edge for durability and stability.

.: Dimensions: 12”x22”x0.16" (30.48 cm x 55.88 cm x 0.4 cm)
.: Material: Neoprene
.: Anti-slip backing