The painting of Virgin Mary holding Christ Child, by William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905), French painter. L’Innocence (1893).
William-Adolphe Bouguereau. L’Innocence (1893).
William-Adolphe Bouguereau painted L’Innocence in 1893. He seemed to follow in Raphael’s footsteps. In most of his works, he adopted a classical approach to subject, form and composition. William-Adolphe Bouguereau is an epitome of sophistication. His works of idealized beauty are largely in the hands of wealthy patrons.
L’Innocence depicts the Virgin Mary holding the sleeping Christ Child, with a baby lamb. The painting carries many meanings in the story of the birth of Christ, beautifully expressed through a classical realist approach, reminiscent of Renaissance art in both subject and form. With William-Adolphe Bouguereau, sophistication and idealization go together, creating perfection.
The story of the birth of Christ is a major theme in art history. Jesus was born in a manger, three Magi from the East, brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus, shepherds brought Jesus fruit and lovely toys, gifts expressing homage to the divine boy. At Christmas, the tradition of giving Christmas presents originates from this story. Bringing meaning and hope into a better future, Christmas has long been a popular holiday for people all over the world. The images of the Christ Child and the Virgin Mary also become familiar to art lovers.
Looking at the Christ Child sleeping in Virgin Mary’s arms with a calm and serene white, waiting for the coming Christmas Eve, Viet Art View send our best wishes to art lovers for a peaceful Christmas.
Source: Tổng Giáo phận Hà Nội, Tử Vi Ngày Nay, Wikipedia, The History of Art
