Despite their common belonging to the religious style, these two masterpieces painted by Bougereau in the 1880s differ radically from one another. Where the one on top is most dramatic, the other is extremely solemn as corresponds to its hieratical stance. Yet in their own particular way, both are extremely beautiful.

Quote:

If you were offered in property one, only one, of these three portraits of peasant girls by Bouguereau, which would you choose? I would be at a loss myself, so beautiful they all are. I would probably choose the one at the bottom, which happens to be the best known of all three. And yet...

William Bouguereau - The Knitter

(oil on canvas, 1886)

William Bouguereau - Petite bergere
('Little Shepherdess')

(oil on canvas, 1889)

William Bouguereau - Pastourelle
('The Little Shepherdess')

(oil on canvas, 1889)

I think the one in the middle. She looks like she may be daydreaming about her future plans and how she will so enjoy becoming a rich beautiful lady one day with a handsome husband to grant her every wish.

Yes, that would be my choice too. Actually it was my choice from the start, the perfect one.

Great artist and great work.

I completely agree with you, Sozain. I, too, deeply admire both William Bouguereau and his work, all of it.