The artwork titled “Lemon” by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, created in 1899, is an exquisite piece rendered in oil on canvas. Characteristic of Academicism and falling under the genre of genre painting, this work exemplifies Bouguereau’s renowned attention to detail and mastery of realistic human expression.
The artwork depicts a young girl with delicate, tender features, gently holding a lemon in her hands. She is dressed in a simple, pale garment, and her contemplative gaze is directed slightly downward, creating an aura of innocence and introspection. Her blonde hair, adorned with a subtle, blue ribbon, softly frames her face. The artist has masterfully employed light and shadow to enhance the texture of the skin, fabric, and the vibrant yellow lemon, achieving a harmonious balance that draws the viewer into the intimate moment captured on canvas. The dark background contrasts with the illuminated figure, further emphasizing the purity and serenity of the subject.
