William-Adolphe Bouguereau
- Born:
- November 30, 1825, La Rochelle, France
- Died:
- August 19, 1905, La Rochelle, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Painter
Early Life and Education
- Began his artistic training at the École des Beaux-Arts in Bordeaux.
- Later moved to Paris and entered the École des Beaux-Arts, studying with François-Édouard Picot.
- Won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1850, allowing him to study at the Villa Medici in Rome.
Career and Major Achievements
- Established a successful career as a painter, known for his realistic and idealized depictions of mythological, allegorical, and genre subjects.
- Gained recognition and exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon.
- Became a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1876.
- Taught at the Académie Julian, influencing many aspiring artists.
Notable Works
- Dante and Virgil in Hell (1850)
- Nymphs and Satyr (1873)
- The Birth of Venus (1879)
- The Knitting Girl (1869)
- L'Amour et Psyché, enfants (1890)
Legacy and Impact
William-Adolphe Bouguereau was a highly successful and influential academic painter of the 19th century. His work, characterized by its technical virtuosity and idealized beauty, enjoyed immense popularity during his lifetime. Although his reputation declined in the early 20th century with the rise of Impressionism and modern art, there has been a resurgence of interest in his work in recent decades. The detailed and accurate information within a typical "william bouguereau biography" reveals his mastery of traditional techniques and enduring appeal to audiences appreciating classical art.