Pair Of Large Paintings After William-adolphe Bouguereau - Late 19th Century

An impressive and highly decorative pair of large paintings dating from the late 19th century, executed after designs by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, one of the foremost masters of French Academic painting and among the most celebrated artists of his era.

Thanks to their monumental dimensions, remarkable presentation, and outstanding original frames, these works are far more than simple decorative objects; they immediately establish the character and atmosphere of an interior.

Both compositions depict the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. True allegories of maternal tenderness, protection, and spirituality, they complement one another beautifully while each conveying its own symbolic message.

In the first composition, the Virgin is draped in an elegant ivory-colored mantle with rich flowing folds. The Child delicately holds an olive branch, the universal symbol of peace, hope, and reconciliation. The softly rendered natural background enhances the serene and contemplative atmosphere of the scene.

In the second composition, the Virgin is portrayed wearing a magnificent celestial-blue mantle. The Christ Child holds a rosary ending in a cross, emphasizing the devotional and spiritual nature of the work. The refined drapery, delicate facial expressions, and harmonious composition clearly demonstrate the influence of Bouguereau’s celebrated religious imagery.

The colors remain remarkably vibrant. Deep blues, warm reds, ivory tones, subtle greens, and floral nuances combine to create a luminous and harmonious ensemble. The decorative borders integrated into the compositions are richly adorned with stylized flowers, lilies, roses, intertwined motifs, and ornamental foliage inspired by the decorative arts of the second half of the nineteenth century.

The paintings are preserved in their magnificent original Napoleon III frames, crafted from finely carved pearwood. Richly decorated with scrolling foliage, palmettes, rosettes, cartouches, and stylized leaves, these frames contribute significantly to the exceptional decorative quality of the ensemble.

Their decorative presence is striking. Displayed in a grand salon, library, entrance hall, or on either side of a fireplace, they alone are capable of defining an interior and bringing elegance, depth, and personality to a space.

They would naturally complement a Haussmann-style apartment, a distinguished private residence, a manor house, or an interior design project led by a decorator or architect seeking statement pieces capable of serving as the foundation of an elegant decorative scheme.

Their religious iconography and timeless character also make them particularly suitable for a private chapel, prayer room, or family residence where they would provide both spiritual significance and decorative refinement.

We have deliberately chosen to present the paintings in their untouched condition, without recent cleaning or restoration, preserving all of their authenticity and historical charm.

It should also be noted that these works were executed after designs by William-Adolphe Bouguereau. Had they been original oil paintings executed by the master himself, their market value would today be extremely significant.

• Height: 134 cm (52.76 inches)

• Width: 87 cm (34.25 inches)

Late 19th Century.

After William-Adolphe Bouguereau.

Painted prints on canvas.

Napoleon III carved pearwood frames.

Sold as found.

Overall good presentation considering the age of the ensemble.

The frames display traces of their history, including former fixing holes originally intended for protective glass panels. Localized darkening is visible on the lower corners and on the palmette decoration on the same side, most likely resulting from their former placement on either side of a fireplace.

Evidence of old repairs, frame restorations, age cracks, minor losses, wear, and signs of use consistent with more than a century of existence are present.

Some surface dirt and age-related marks remain visible, as the paintings have not undergone recent cleaning.

Nevertheless, the ensemble retains remarkable visual impact, aesthetic coherence, and exceptional decorative appeal.

William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825–1905) is widely regarded as one of the greatest representatives of nineteenth-century French Academic painting. Born in La Rochelle on November 30, 1825, and passing away in the same city on August 19, 1905, he was among the most celebrated artists of his generation.

Winner of the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1850, he exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon and received numerous official distinctions throughout his career. His body of work, comprising more than eight hundred known paintings, is today represented in important public and private collections worldwide.

A master draftsman and exceptional painter of the human figure, Bouguereau developed a highly refined style distinguished by exquisite technical precision, delicate flesh tones, elegant compositions, and a constant pursuit of ideal beauty.

Among his most celebrated works are The Birth of Venus (1879), Cupid and Psyche as Children (1889), Innocence(1893), The Virgin with Lilies (1899), Regina Angelorum (1900), and numerous depictions of the Virgin and Child that contributed greatly to his international reputation, particularly in the United States where his work remains highly sought after.

Professional packing, insured shipping, and delivery throughout France are offered by Galerie De Cicco.

This important pair of paintings represents a rare opportunity to acquire two large-scale decorative works inspired by the world of William-Adolphe Bouguereau, capable of transforming an interior while bringing the elegance, refinement, and poetic spirit of the late nineteenth century into any setting.