The artwork, titled “Passage du gué,” is a creation of the celebrated artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece adheres to the stylistic principles of Academicism and belongs to the genre painting category. Currently held in a private collection, it exemplifies Bouguereau’s mastery in rendering delicate and emotionally resonant human scenes.
In “Passage du gué,” the viewer is presented with a serene and poignant scene of a young woman carrying a child on her back as they traverse a shallow stream. The woman’s spreaded legs suggest careful and steady steps, ensuring the safety of the child, who appears relaxed and confidant, resting comfortably on her shoulder. The detailed textures of the woman’s clothing, with the contrast between her dark green skirt and the child’s light-colored dress, highlight Bouguereau’s attention to textile and form. Natural light filters through the verdant background, adding a sense of tranquility and depth to the composition. The artist’s refined technique and subtle use of color capture both the physical and emotional warmth shared between the two figures.
