Born in La Rochelle in 1825, Bouguereau studied in Paris and won the Prix de Rome in 1850. He became a successful Salon painter and influential teacher. His career included portraits, allegorical scenes, and paintings of the Virgin Mary, Christ, and the Passion. He died in La Rochelle in 1905.
Bible Artist
William-Adolphe Bouguereau
William-Adolphe Bouguereau was a French academic painter known for polished figure painting and idealized religious subjects.
Dates: 1825–1905
Nationality: French
Born: La Rochelle, France
Died: La Rochelle, France
Also known as: William Bouguereau
Biography
Artistic Style
His meticulous drawing, smooth surfaces, carefully modeled anatomy, and luminous flesh tones typify French academic painting.
Biblical Art Significance
His biblical and devotional paintings include the Pietà, the Annunciation, the Adoration of the Shepherds, and scenes associated with the Resurrection. Several Marian images are devotional interpretations rather than depictions of a specific scriptural episode.
Notable Works
Pietà (1876); The Annunciation (1888); The Holy Women at the Tomb (1890); The Virgin with Angels (1900)