Night 23 (No. 2) – William Orpen

The artwork ‘Night 23 (No. 2)’ presents a serene and intimate atmosphere, set within a softly lit room. The scene features a large window adorned with heavy patterned curtains, partially drawn to reveal a starry night sky that contrasts beautifully with the warm interior. In the foreground, a woman sits in a dark upholstered chair, dressed in a delicate white nightgown that drapes gently over her shoulders. Her relaxed posture suggests a moment of tranquility as she cradles a small child in her lap, who is also dressed in white and nestles comfortably against her, symbolising a bond of tenderness and care. The soft illumination from the window creates delicate shadows that highlight the textures of the fabrics and the woman’s face. The walls, painted in light neutral tones, along with a small framed painting hanging to the left, add a touch of domesticity to the composition. The overall mood of the painting is one of calm and sweetness, capturing a private moment between the woman and the child. Orpen’s mastery of light and shadow, combined with a muted colour palette, enhances the sense of tranquility and warmth in this piece, representative of the post-Victorian artistic style. This exquisite reproduction is available as both a print and on canvas, allowing you to bring this timeless scene into your home.