The Dream of the Doctor

c. 1498

Engraving

186 × 118 mm

Purchase, 1872

The Dream of the Doctor is a moralizing allegory invoking an old Dutch proverb: “Idleness is the devil’s pillow”. The engraving represents a slothful individual who sleeps in front of his warm fireplace, comfortably resting his head against a soft pillow, while the Devil “blows” lush thoughts into the sleeper’s ear. The consequence of the blow is the depicted dream: the nude female figure is Venus, goddess of love, accompanied by a playful Cupid. The allegory warns of the dangers of sloth, one of the seven deadly sins.