What picture do you paint when you hear the word “ART”? 

Some people think of the more modern art styles such as Van Gogh, Picasso or even more recent artists like Banksy. 

Though, what about an older style? Many people think of Leonardo DaVinci for the older styled art, but what about the artists like William Adolphe Bouguereau? 

William Adolphe Bourguereau was a French painter, born in La Rochelle, France on November 30th, 1825. His movements and style were Neoclassicism and Naturalism. His father was an oil and wine merchant, while his mother was from a middle-class Calvinist family. 

His parents raised him in a strict manner under Catholic religion. When William was only 12, he was sent to live with his uncle so he could prepare to have a career in the Church. Though, he developed a love for classical literature during this time. 

William went to a Catholic college and learned Neoclassicism from Louis Sage, but his education was interrupted by his father since he wanted William to work in the merchant business. 

When William returned home, he had become acquainted with Charles Marionneau, a local artist and historian. 

Throughout his life, William painted many works of art such as “The Birth of Venus” and “The Abduction of Psyche” and so many more. 

His main theme was mythological beings, like satyrs and the birth of Venus. There are even pieces that express love towards siblings. 

He died on August 19th, in 1905 in LaRochelle, France.

 I enjoy looking at his art, I could look at it for hours and not be bored. I can only hope that there are future artists that can bring back the neoclassicism style in our architecture, music and art. 

You can visit bouguereau.org for more information and view his completed artworks.