Admiration is an oil on canvas painting by the French academic painter Adolphe-William Bouguereau. The artwork, completed in 1897, features six figures, presumably siblings, in a classical Academic-style portrayal. The painting won the highest honors in the Salon of 1899 and is presently on display at the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Bouguereau was a successful artist during his time, but later became unpopular with changing tastes in the early 20th century. However, a renewed interest in figure painting in the 1980s led to the rediscovery of his artwork, including “Admiration.” The painting shows Bouguereau’s technical mastery in portraying the human form, and the scene suggests an idealized representation of a domestic family setting, with the siblings expressing their admiration towards each other.
Overall, “Admiration” showcases Bouguereau’s aptitude for classical-style painting, with a focus on humanity’s beauty and the idealized family dynamic. Through the artwork, Bouguereau gained notoriety in his era and continues to inspire artists and enthusiasts today.
