Adolphe William Bouguereau (1825-1905)

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Adolphe William Bouguereau

Adolphe William Bouguereau (Bouguereau) was released in November 1825 in an ordinary family olives and wine merchants in the French town of La Rochelle. It seemed that he was destined to continue the glorious traditions of the family business. But thanks to a relative - a priest uncle Eugène, a boy an opportunity to learn.

In high school talent of the future brilliant artist was quickly noticed. William continued further training in Bordeaux, at the Royal School of Art. To pay for his studies, he worked part time as an accountant at the local wineries, drew tags and labels for the grocer.

After graduation Bouguereau while creating portraits and murals painted walls in the homes of the wealthy bourgeoisie. Accumulate the necessary start-up capital, William was able to devote himself to his favorite occupation - classical painting. Career artist developed successfully and very successfully. He enjoyed the indulgence of critics and respect among art lovers. The annual Paris Salon for over fifty years exhibited his paintings. Twice (in 1885 and 1878), the artist was awarded the title of best artist of the year in France.

Before working on another masterpiece, Bouguereau carefully and thoroughly studied the history of the subject, made numerous sketches. And only then adopted for the creation of the web. His paintings, especially on mythological subjects, enjoyed great popularity in France of the XIX century. The greatest master of painting by William Bouguereau in addition to talent, had more kindness and compassion. He willingly engaged in charity, was a sponsor for many beginners talented artists. Among his pupils such famous, well-known artists as Gustave Jacquet, Henri Matisse, Paul Schabas, Otho Freese, Pierre Cot, and many others.

At the end of the XIX century interest in his paintings considerably abated. A period of oblivion associated with the fact that Bouguereau sharply denied impressionism, considering such works of "unfinished sketches." This genre was just entering into fashion at this time. Great artist died in 1905 on August 19 in his native town of La Rochelle and is buried in the famous French Montparnasse Cemetery.

Nowadays interest in forgotten artists grows. This French painter is considered the largest representative salon academicism. Thoroughness expositions on biblical, allegorical, mythological and historical subjects remarkably accurate. Laboriously written out the smallest details, and take into account all the nuances. During his lifetime, William Bouguereau created more than 800 paintings of the great paintings and made a rich contribution to the creation and development of this genre in art as academic painting.