Born on November 30, 1825, William-Adolphe Bouguereau was a French artist and painter responsible for many famous works such as "The Birth of Venus" and "The Goose Girl". These pieces, and the vast majority of the artistic works William Bouguereau conjured up throughout his seventy nine year long life span all focused around the use of myths and mythological creatures, conveying such chimerical beings in a more modern perspective and interpretation. He also conveyed the female form in his work, which sheds a light as to the amount of admiration he had for the feminine figure.

The vast majority of William Bouguereau's life was spent inside the country of France, and he eventually found himself in the United States of America. In both countries, the artistic legend that is William never lacked the well deserved ovation for his talents, receiving many honors, prizes and awards.

From a young age, William Bouguereau's talents in the fine arts and paints was clear, and he would be sent to a prestigious arts school soon after the discovery of his talents by his parents. The budding painter would sustain himself on commissions provided through family members before moving to Paris and attending one of the most renowned and distinguished art school in the country.

At the age of twenty six, William Bouguereau won the 'Prix de Rome' award for his work, and he was prized with a year long stay at a luxurious villa in Italy. There, his thorough studying of Italian works, which included many of the of Greek and Roman mythological beings, influenced his artistic direction for the rest of his life.

By August 19, 1905, William Bouguereau would die where he was born, in his hometown of La Rochelle, France. The seventy nine year old man would leave behind his work which is still admired today.

View our William-Adolphe Bouguereau Gallery