“Little Esmeralda” is a portrait painted in 1874 by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, a notable figure of the Academicism movement. The artwork, created using oil on canvas, measures 88.9 by 54.6 cm. It exemplifies the classical academic style through its precise rendering and detailed portrayal of human subject matter.
The artwork depicts a young girl, presumably Esmeralda, tenderly holding a bouquet of lush green and purple foliage. Her soft, contemplative expression and gentle posture, juxtaposed with the inquisitive presence of a white goat, evoke a sense of innocence and pastoral tranquility. The girl’s loose, white blouse and yellow skirt, complemented by her flowing brown hair, blend harmoniously with the natural, muted background. Bouguereau’s meticulous brushwork and delicate use of color accentuate the serene, idyllic quality of the scene, highlighting his mastery in capturing the beauty of youthful simplicity and the intimate connection between humans and nature.
