The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 19, 2025

Eddie and Old Man Morpheus

1931

Carl Gaertner

(American, 1898–1952)
America, Ohio, Cleveland
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.)
Gift of Mrs. Shuree Abrams 1999.238
© Carl Gaertner
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

The painting’s whimsical title refers to Morpheus, the ancient Greek god of sleep.

Description

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.
  • {{cite web|title=Eddie and Old Man Morpheus|url=false|author=Carl Gaertner|year=1931|access-date=19 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1999.238