“Prayer at Sainte Anne d’Auray” is an oil painting on canvas created by William-Adolphe Bouguereau in 1869. This work belongs to the Academicism art movement and falls under the genre of genre painting. Its dimensions are 147.3 by 89.5 centimeters, and it is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork presents a serene and devout scene, characterized by a masterful depiction of two young girls engaged in prayer, positioned within the revered sanctuary of Sainte Anne d’Auray. The figures are clothed in traditional attire, indicative of the period and place, which adds an element of cultural authenticity to the painting. They hold long, lit candles, symbolizing devotion and spirituality. The light from the candles casts a gentle glow on their faces, enhancing the somber and reverential mood of the setting. The artist’s skillful use of light, shadow, and meticulous attention to detail amplifies the solemn atmosphere and underscores the piety of the moment captured.