The artwork, named “Sleeping Children,” was painted by William-Adolphe Bouguereau in 1868. This oil-on-canvas piece, originating from the Academicism movement, measures 46 by 55.2 cm and belongs to the genre painting category.
In the artwork, two young children are depicted in serene slumber. The children are shown lying on a bed, nestled closely together, their bodies intertwined with an innocent and tender intimacy. Their heads rest gently on a soft pillow, while a golden-hued blanket partially covers them, adding warmth and richness to the scene. The light appears subdued, creating shadowed contrasts that enhance the tranquility and vulnerability of the sleeping figures. The meticulous attention to detail and the soft, naturalistic rendering of the children’s skin highlight Bouguereau’s mastery in capturing the delicate beauty of childhood repose.
