Born on November 30, 1825, in La Rochelle, William-Adolphe Bouguereau was a renowned French academic painter who, from a young age, was immersed in the artistic world thanks to his uncle. After witnessing turbulent family relationships, he was sent to live with his uncle in Mortagne, where his passion for art was discovered and nurtured. Bouguereau later entered the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1846, where he excelled under the mentorship of François Picot. He won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1850 with his painting Zenobia Found by Shepherds.
At the height of his career, Bouguereau was one of the most celebrated French artists of his time, admired both in France and internationally. His works, often inspired by Greek models, explored classical and historical themes with exceptional technical realism and academic classicism. Bouguereau’s masterpieces portray an idealized world infused with sentimentality and sensuality, characterized by a striking photorealistic precision. Frequently exhibited at the Salon, he received numerous commissions and became a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1876.
Despite his artistic and financial success, as well as social acclaim, Bouguereau’s life was marked by profound tragedies, including the loss of three children and his first wife. These sorrows are evident in his poignant religious works, such as Pietà. The death of his only surviving son deeply affected his health, leading to a gradual decline until his death in 1950 in La Rochelle from heart failure.