The artwork titled “Hay-Maker,” executed by the esteemed artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau in 1870, is an oil painting on canvas measuring 116.8 x 83.8 cm. It is a notable piece within the Academicism movement and falls under the genre painting category. The piece depicts a rural theme with a focus on a solitary female figure engaged in an agrarian task.
The artwork portrays a young woman standing with a relaxed yet assertive pose, leaning slightly on a rake with one arm. The female subject is attired in a traditional peasant dress, comprising a white blouse with voluminous sleeves, a dark vest, and a maroon skirt. A yellow headscarf gracefully frames her head. The background suggests a pastoral setting with vague hints of greenery and soft light, emphasizing the rustic atmosphere. This painting exemplifies Bouguereau’s mastery in capturing human anatomy with exquisite detail and his ability to convey nuanced expressions of serenity and strength within his subjects.
