The artwork titled “Italian Boy with Mandolin,” created by William-Adolphe Bouguereau in 1870, is an exquisite example of Academicism in the genre painting category. This oil on canvas work measures 100.3 x 83.2 cm and portrays the delicately rendered, lifelike image of a young boy holding a mandolin.
The young boy, seated casually yet with an air of contemplation, is attired in a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a red vest, indicative of traditional Italian attire. His trousers are also casual, and he gazes thoughtfully into the distance, his fingers gently resting on the stringed instrument. The background is dark and understated, accentuating the subject while adding depth to his expression and figure. The detailing of his facial features and clothing highlights Bouguereau’s mastery in realistic representation and intricate attention to detail. A bottle and some fabric rest on the table beside him, adding subtle contextual elements to the serene and poignant atmosphere of the scene.
