“At the Edge of the Brook” by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

“At the Edge of the Brook”

“At the Edge of the Brook” is a lovely oil on canvas painting by the French artist, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, from 1879. This is one of many portraits of peasant children that Bouguereau painted in the academic style that was popular in France during the mid to late-nineteenth century (see “Fishing for Frogs“). This is one of two paintings he created with the same name.

Bouguereau had a lot of empathy for the hard-working life of the peasants of his country. In his work, he sought to soften the harsh criticism that they commonly endured. Bouguereau had a talent for beautifying the sitter while retaining their likeness, and this painting highlights that skill.

Though Bouguereau‘s style was realistic, his subjects were generally mythological and classical. It was for this reason that he was both hated and loved during his lifetime. Many critics applauded his talent and reverence for classical subjects, while the up-and-coming Impressionist artists saw him and his work as old-fashioned.

“At the Edge of the Brook” is currently in a private collection.

For more on William-Adolphe Bouguereau, please visit his short biography here.

You can find more artists to learn about here.