The reliefs Night and Day that hang opposite each other at the Museum, are Thorvaldsen’s most popular reliefs. As opposites they represent the two halves of a day, and together symbolise the wholeness of a day. Night personified floats passively over the sky with her neck bent. Her eyes are closed as is the eyes of the children in her embrace. Her hair is braided with poppies, with their sleep-inducing capacities, known since Antiquity. The animal of the night – an owl – flies directly and as if urging out towards us. Be quiet!
