“Integrity,” painted by William-Adolphe Bouguereau in 1876, is an allegorical oil painting on canvas that measures 203.8 by 92.1 cm. The artwork is a representation of the Academicism and Neoclassicism movements, focused on traditional techniques and classical themes.
The artwork portrays a young woman, centrally positioned, rudely undraped but for a few luxuriously textured fabrics that flow around her. Her posture is one of strength and resolve, with her left arm raised holding a magnifying glass aloft, symbolizing scrutiny and truth. Her right hand grasps a serpent-entwined staff, reminiscent of the rod of Asclepius, a symbol of healing and medicine. A laurel wreath crowns her head, further emphasizing her allegorical role. The background transitions from deep, rich colors at the base to lighter tones and an open sky above, drawing the viewer’s eye upwards in alignment with the figure’s uplifted gaze. This classical representation underscores themes of purity, intellect, and virtue.
