![Portrait of Adolphe-William Bouguereau](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/bouguereau000.jpg)
Adolphe-William Bouguereau Painting Reproductions 5 of 11
1825-1905
French Academic Classicism Painter
Adolphe-William Bouguereau (1825-1905) was a French academic painter. He was a traditionalist whose polished and idealized paintings emphasized mythological and religious subjects. Bouguereau was a highly successful artist during his lifetime, but his work fell out of favor with the rise of modern art. In recent decades, there has been a revival of interest in his paintings.
Adolphe-William Bouguereau was born on November 30, 1825, in La Rochelle, France. He showed an early talent for drawing and was sent to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Bordeaux. In 1846, Bouguereau won the Prix de Rome, a prestigious scholarship that allowed him to study classical art in Rome. During his four years in Italy, Bouguereau studied Renaissance masters like Raphael and Michelangelo, who would greatly influence his own style.
After returning to France, Bouguereau established himself as a history and religious painter. He depicted scenes from ancient mythology, the Bible, and the lives of the saints. His paintings were praised for their skillful draftsmanship, use of rich colors, and idealized beauty. Bouguereau employed a meticulous painting technique and often made dozens of preparatory sketches for a single work.
In 1850, Bouguereau was awarded the Legion of Honor, the highest decoration in France. He gained widespread fame and was in high demand as a portraitist for aristocrats and the bourgeoisie. Bouguereau's paintings were very popular at the annual Paris Salon, and he served as an official judge at the Salon for decades.
Bouguereau's style embodied the French Academy's emphasis on technical skill, classical subjects, and ideal beauty. His paintings were praised for their polished finish and photographic realism. However, with the rise of modern art in the late 19th century, Bouguereau's traditional style fell out of favor. Younger avant-garde artists criticized his work as superficial, sentimental, and detached from contemporary life.
Despite the criticism, Bouguereau remained popular with collectors and the public until his death. He continued exhibiting at the Salon until 1904. Bouguereau passed away on August 19, 1905, at the age of 79, in his hometown of La Rochelle, France.
For most of the 20th century, Bouguereau's work was dismissed by art historians and critics. However, since the 1980s, there has been a revival of interest in his paintings. Bouguereau is now recognized as a master of the academic style, with a technical virtuosity and idealized sensuality that appeals to modern audiences. His works are held in major museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Musée d'Orsay, and the J. Paul Getty Museum.
Bouguereau's work is now seen as a pinnacle of skill and craftsmanship, rather than mere sentimentality. His paintings are admired for their visual splendor and idealization of the human form. His sensual and decorative style appeals to modern sensibilities more attuned to sexuality and the body. Paintings like The Birth of Venus have become popular and recognizable.
Bouguereau's work represents an important aspect of 19th-century French painting that was long overlooked. His immense popularity and mastery of the Salon style are now recognized as significant. Though the Impressionists rebelled against his style, Bouguereau was an inspiration for later painters like Salvador Dalí, who praised his technical skill and "virtuosity." Bouguereau's work has parallels with 20th-century Surrealism.
Bouguereau's paintings have become highly sought after in the art market, with major works selling for millions of dollars. His revival is linked to a renewed interest in academic and figurative painting among collectors.
Bouguereau has emerged from obscurity to regain his place as a pivotal figure in 19th-century art. His masterful paintings are once again admired for their visual splendor, technical brilliance, and embodiment of traditional values. Bouguereau's revival reflects a desire to reexamine art history and a newfound appreciation for the academic style he helped define.
Adolphe-William Bouguereau was born on November 30, 1825, in La Rochelle, France. He showed an early talent for drawing and was sent to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Bordeaux. In 1846, Bouguereau won the Prix de Rome, a prestigious scholarship that allowed him to study classical art in Rome. During his four years in Italy, Bouguereau studied Renaissance masters like Raphael and Michelangelo, who would greatly influence his own style.
After returning to France, Bouguereau established himself as a history and religious painter. He depicted scenes from ancient mythology, the Bible, and the lives of the saints. His paintings were praised for their skillful draftsmanship, use of rich colors, and idealized beauty. Bouguereau employed a meticulous painting technique and often made dozens of preparatory sketches for a single work.
In 1850, Bouguereau was awarded the Legion of Honor, the highest decoration in France. He gained widespread fame and was in high demand as a portraitist for aristocrats and the bourgeoisie. Bouguereau's paintings were very popular at the annual Paris Salon, and he served as an official judge at the Salon for decades.
Bouguereau's style embodied the French Academy's emphasis on technical skill, classical subjects, and ideal beauty. His paintings were praised for their polished finish and photographic realism. However, with the rise of modern art in the late 19th century, Bouguereau's traditional style fell out of favor. Younger avant-garde artists criticized his work as superficial, sentimental, and detached from contemporary life.
Despite the criticism, Bouguereau remained popular with collectors and the public until his death. He continued exhibiting at the Salon until 1904. Bouguereau passed away on August 19, 1905, at the age of 79, in his hometown of La Rochelle, France.
For most of the 20th century, Bouguereau's work was dismissed by art historians and critics. However, since the 1980s, there has been a revival of interest in his paintings. Bouguereau is now recognized as a master of the academic style, with a technical virtuosity and idealized sensuality that appeals to modern audiences. His works are held in major museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Musée d'Orsay, and the J. Paul Getty Museum.
Bouguereau's work is now seen as a pinnacle of skill and craftsmanship, rather than mere sentimentality. His paintings are admired for their visual splendor and idealization of the human form. His sensual and decorative style appeals to modern sensibilities more attuned to sexuality and the body. Paintings like The Birth of Venus have become popular and recognizable.
Bouguereau's work represents an important aspect of 19th-century French painting that was long overlooked. His immense popularity and mastery of the Salon style are now recognized as significant. Though the Impressionists rebelled against his style, Bouguereau was an inspiration for later painters like Salvador Dalí, who praised his technical skill and "virtuosity." Bouguereau's work has parallels with 20th-century Surrealism.
Bouguereau's paintings have become highly sought after in the art market, with major works selling for millions of dollars. His revival is linked to a renewed interest in academic and figurative painting among collectors.
Bouguereau has emerged from obscurity to regain his place as a pivotal figure in 19th-century art. His masterful paintings are once again admired for their visual splendor, technical brilliance, and embodiment of traditional values. Bouguereau's revival reflects a desire to reexamine art history and a newfound appreciation for the academic style he helped define.
241 Bouguereau Paintings
![Innocence, 1893 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau097.jpg)
Innocence 1893
Oil Painting
$2169
$2169
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: BWA-268
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 100 x 52.5 cm
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 100 x 52.5 cm
Private Collection
![Young Worker, 1869 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau098.jpg)
Young Worker 1869
Oil Painting
$2053
$2053
Canvas Print
$69.72
$69.72
SKU: BWA-269
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 129 x 96.5 cm
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 129 x 96.5 cm
Private Collection
![The Assault, 1898 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau099.jpg)
The Assault 1898
Oil Painting
$5344
$5344
Canvas Print
$51.15
$51.15
SKU: BWA-270
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 153 x 104 cm
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 153 x 104 cm
Private Collection
![The Lost Pleiad, 1884 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau100.jpg)
The Lost Pleiad 1884
Oil Painting
$2169
$2169
Canvas Print
$59.62
$59.62
SKU: BWA-271
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 195.5 x 95 cm
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 195.5 x 95 cm
Private Collection
![The Harvester, 1868 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau101.jpg)
The Harvester 1868
Oil Painting
$2038
$2038
Canvas Print
$72.32
$72.32
SKU: BWA-272
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 106.5 x 85 cm
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 106.5 x 85 cm
Private Collection
![Revery, 1894 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau102.jpg)
Revery 1894
Oil Painting
$2077
$2077
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: BWA-273
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 112 x 71 cm
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 112 x 71 cm
Private Collection
![Spring Breeze, 1895 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau103.jpg)
Spring Breeze 1895
Oil Painting
$2038
$2038
Canvas Print
$83.29
$83.29
SKU: BWA-274
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 98.5 x 65.5 cm
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 98.5 x 65.5 cm
Private Collection
![Love Takes Flight, 1901 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau104.jpg)
Love Takes Flight 1901
Oil Painting
$2245
$2245
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: BWA-275
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 170 x 112 cm
Frye Art Museum, Seattle, USA
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 170 x 112 cm
Frye Art Museum, Seattle, USA
![Young Mother Gazing at Her Child, 1871 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau105.jpg)
Young Mother Gazing at Her Child 1871
Oil Painting
$2269
$2269
Canvas Print
$54.45
$54.45
SKU: BWA-276
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 142.2 x 102.9 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 142.2 x 102.9 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
![Bacchante, 1899 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau106.jpg)
Bacchante 1899
Oil Painting
$1961
$1961
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: BWA-277
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 100 x 70.5 cm
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 100 x 70.5 cm
Private Collection
![Daisies, 1894 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau107.jpg)
Daisies 1894
Oil Painting
$1985
$1985
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: BWA-278
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 91.5 x 56 cm
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 91.5 x 56 cm
Private Collection
![Portrait of Gabrielle Drienza, 1890 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau108.jpg)
Portrait of Gabrielle Drienza 1890
Oil Painting
$1586
$1586
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: BWA-279
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 45.5 x 38 cm
Collection of Fred and Sherry Ross, New Jersey, USA
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 45.5 x 38 cm
Collection of Fred and Sherry Ross, New Jersey, USA
![Reflection, 1897 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau109.jpg)
Reflection 1897
Oil Painting
$2012
$2012
SKU: BWA-280
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: unknown
Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Shawnee, USA
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: unknown
Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Shawnee, USA
![After the Bath, 1875 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau110.jpg)
After the Bath 1875
Oil Painting
$2103
$2103
Canvas Print
$61.94
$61.94
SKU: BWA-281
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 181 x 90.5 cm
Museo-Teatro Salvador Dali , Figueiras, Spain
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 181 x 90.5 cm
Museo-Teatro Salvador Dali , Figueiras, Spain
![Bather, 1870 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau111.jpg)
Bather 1870
Oil Painting
$2077
$2077
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: BWA-282
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 190.5 x 95 cm
Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation Museums, Costa Brava, Spain
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 190.5 x 95 cm
Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation Museums, Costa Brava, Spain
![Modesty, 1902 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau112.jpg)
Modesty 1902
Oil Painting
$2038
$2038
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: BWA-283
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 160.5 x 72.5 cm
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 160.5 x 72.5 cm
Private Collection
![Lady Maxwell, 1890 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau113.jpg)
Lady Maxwell 1890
Oil Painting
$2125
$2125
SKU: BWA-284
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: unknown
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: unknown
Private Collection
![After the Bath, 1894 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau114.jpg)
After the Bath 1894
Oil Painting
$2103
$2103
SKU: BWA-285
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: unknown
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: unknown
Private Collection
![L'Amour A L'Epine, 1894 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau115.jpg)
L'Amour A L'Epine 1894
Oil Painting
$2038
$2038
SKU: BWA-286
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: unknown
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: unknown
Private Collection
![The Joys of Motherhood (Girl Tickling a Child), 1878 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau116.jpg)
The Joys of Motherhood (Girl Tickling a Child) 1878
Oil Painting
$2148
$2148
SKU: BWA-287
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: unknown
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: unknown
Private Collection
![Wet Cupid, 1891 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau117.jpg)
Wet Cupid 1891
Oil Painting
$2077
$2077
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: BWA-288
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 155.5 x 84.5 cm
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 155.5 x 84.5 cm
Private Collection
![At the Edge of the Brook, 1879 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau118.jpg)
At the Edge of the Brook 1879
Oil Painting
$2125
$2125
SKU: BWA-289
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: unknown
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: unknown
Private Collection
![Maternal Admiration, 1869 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau119.jpg)
Maternal Admiration 1869
Oil Painting
$1985
$1985
Canvas Print
$50.03
$50.03
SKU: BWA-290
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 116 x 89 cm
Private Collection
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 116 x 89 cm
Private Collection
![Returned from the Market, 1869 by Bouguereau | Painting Reproduction](https://cdn.topofart.com/images/artists/Adolphe-William_Bouguereau/paintings-lg/bouguereau120.jpg)
Returned from the Market 1869
Oil Painting
$1642
$1642
Canvas Print
$77.98
$77.98
SKU: BWA-291
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 61 x 51 cm
Collection of Fred and Sherry Ross, New Jersey, USA
Adolphe-William Bouguereau
Original Size: 61 x 51 cm
Collection of Fred and Sherry Ross, New Jersey, USA