Born on November 30, 1825 in La Rochelle, France, Adolphe William Bougureau, William Adolphe Bouguereau or Adolphe Bouguereau, was a highly acclaimed 'Realist' artist of his times. He was born in a wealthy family of wine and olive oil merchants.
His uncle Eugene, played a crucial role in his education by introducing him to Latin, Greek myths, and stories from the Old and New Testaments. Eugene also arranged for Adolphe's High School in Pons, where he took his first drawing lessons. Impressed by Adolphe's artistic potential, his father sent him to Ecole des Beaux Arts in Bordeaux. Here, this budding talent won a prize in figurative painting of Saint Roch, which catalyzed his career in fine arts. He then went to study the 'Academic' style painting at the studio of Francois-Edouard Picot. In the year 1850, Bougureau won the coveted scholarship, Prix de Rome, Italy for his work, "Zenobia Found by Shepherds on the Banks of the Axes." In Italy, he got exposure to 'Renaissance Art.'
Adolphe William's perseverance and discipline resulted in extraordinarily productive artistic endeavors, such that his determination to paint never waned even in the phases of extreme financial difficulties. Arguably the greatest painter of the human figures, especially females, in the history he was capable of infusing lifelike tenderness and the subtle nuances of personality and mood in his works. Bougureau painted only what pleased him, thereby refusing to be dictated into a particular subject matter. A natural instinct, coupled with the knowledge of contours, and passion for 'Classics' became the hallmarks of his exquisite paintings, usually themed on mythologies. His finesse with hand, feet, and skin, with occasional subtlety of 'Symbolism,' was especially awed.
In 1856, he married Marie-Nelly Monchablon, and was blessed with five children. Throughout his working life, he exhibited his works at the annual Paris Salon exhibitions, where several people flocked each year to admire the pictures that were often reproduced on the front pages of magazines. By 1860, Adolphe touched the international scene, with his popularity climaxing in England, where he eventually bought a property. Belgium, Holland, Spain, and in the United States were the other cross-border arenas, Adolphe captivated with his art. His were the most expensive of the paintings, and his clients were among the wealthiest of the society, who waited for years to buy that one exclusive piece of the artist. Bougureau's major 'Photo-Realistic' league works included, "Dante and Virgil in Hell (1850)," portraying the imagined horrors of the underworld, and "Cupidon (1875)," representing a beautiful imagery of Cupid and Eros in a modest pose, with Cupid's famous bow lying at his feet.
Adolphe William Bougureau won several accolades and honors through his works. In 1875, he joined Academie Julian, as a drawing teacher, managing to reach the position of its Life Member in 1876. In 1877, Adolphe William lost his wife and youngest son. In the year 1885, he was honored with the prestigious title, 'Commander of the Legion of Honor' and was awarded the 'Grand Medal of Honor.'
In 1896, the artist married his student artist, Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau. The powerful painter helped women artist gain access to formal art education at various institutions, a trend previously prohibited. 1920 marked the beginning of Bouguereau's declining fame. Due to the changing tastes of the society, and the staunch opposition of the 'Impressionists,' who were gaining acceptance, the artist's reputation took a beating. His name underwent not only a libelous, dishonest, relentless, and systematic assault of immense proportions, but was also struck off from history texts.
Adolphe William Bougureau died at the age of 80, on August 19, 1905, leaving behind his name to be remembered as the most admired, and listened-to artist of the nineteenth century. Some of his most celebrated works were "La Danse (1850)," "Alone in the World (Latest 1867)," "The Knitting Girl (1869)," "Nymphs and Satyr (1873)," "Cupidon (1875)," "The Birth of Venus (1879)," "Evening Mood (1882)," "The Nut Gatherers (1882)," "The Young Shepherdess (1885)," "Le Printemps (The Return of Spring) (1886)," "The Shepherdess (1889)," "L'Amour et Psyché, enfants (1890)," and "The Bohemian (1890)."
Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Is is also a venue for artists to display and sell their art . Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited. Please visit the website at http://www.labedzki-art.com
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