“The Little Hug” is an exquisite oil painting on canvas created by the artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau in 1878. This artwork, belonging to the Academicism art movement, measures 115.5 x 81.2 cm and falls within the genre painting category, emphasizing everyday scenes and moralistic narratives.
The artwork depicts a tender and intimate moment between a mother and her young child. The mother, dressed in traditional peasant attire, is seated, holding the child in a close embrace. The child clings to her, nestling his head against her cheek, embodying the pure and affectionate bond between them. The setting is serene and natural, with the background consisting of lush green foliage, adding to the peaceful ambiance of the scene. The mother’s expression exudes warmth and protection, while the child appears content and secure, highlighting the emotional and delicate portrayal synonymous with Bouguereau’s meticulous and refined style.