The artwork titled “Pleasant Burden” was created by the artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau in the year 1895. It is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 76 by 112 centimeters. This piece belongs to the Academicism art movement and falls under the genre of genre painting. Currently, this artwork is part of a private collection.
In the artwork, we observe a tender scene of a young woman carrying a child on her back through a pastoral setting. The girl’s gentle smile and relaxed pose, coupled with the woman’s serene yet somewhat pensive expression, evoke a sense of nurturing and affection. The background is a softly blurred rural landscape with hints of wildflowers and foliage, which enhances the intimate and idyllic atmosphere of the painting. Bouguereau’s mastery in rendering delicate flesh tones and the soft, flowing garments highlights his technical proficiency and devotion to classical beauty. The harmonious colors and composition reflect the Academicism movement’s emphasis on traditional techniques and idealized subject matter, capturing a moment of simple, yet profound human connection.
