"L'Innocence"

William-Adolphe Bouguereau is certainly one of the greatest artists in history. He was a renowned French academic painter in his time and was a staunch traditionalist whose themes and paintings carried a heavy emphasis on the female body.

In this painting, he followed the 16th-century style. He seemed to follow the footsteps of Raphael who was inspired by the ancients, yet no one accused him of being unoriginal. In most of his works, he adopted the classical approach to subject matter, form and composition. Throughout the 1800s he was involved in painting for the Catholic Church.

To many, William-Adolphe Bouguereau epitomised refinement and taste in his works and respect for tradition. American millionaires who considered his work important made purchases during his lifetime. The graceful portraits of women were highly appreciated for being charming, and also because he could capture attention with a beautiful background.

His idealised work brought to life nymphs, goddesses, shepherdesses, and bathers. He was also a great portrait painter, but most of the paintings are now in the hands of wealthy patrons. Today, more than a hundred museums around the world exhibit William-AdolpheBouguereau’s works.

In Innocence, the Virgin Mary is seen holding her sleeping son Jesus on one hand, and on the other, a little lamb. The painting signifies the future sacrifice of Jesus.