The artwork titled “Love takes off” is a creation of William-Adolphe Bouguereau, executed in the year 1901. Employing the medium of oil on canvas, the piece measures 112 by 170 cm. It belongs to the Academicism art movement and is characterized as an allegorical painting.
In the artwork, a cherubic figure, adorned with delicate wings and scant drapery, hovers in mid-air while holding a bow, symbolizing Cupid, the personification of love. Below him, a seated female figure, unclothed yet depicted with grace and innocence, reaches towards the ascending Cupid, her posture and gaze evoking a sense of longing and ethereal connection. Surrounding the figures is an idyllic, verdant setting enriched with lush greenery and delicate blossoms, enhancing the mythological and serene atmosphere of the scene. The meticulous attention to anatomical detail and the smooth texture of the subjects reflect Bouguereau’s masterful technique and commitment to idealized beauty.