“The Oranges,” painted by William-Adolphe Bouguereau in 1865, is a prime example of Academicism and belongs to the genre painting category. Executed in oil on canvas, this artwork epitomizes Bouguereau’s dedication to classical techniques and themes of everyday life.
The artwork portrays a serene familial scene where a mother, clothed in traditional 19th-century attire, is seated with her two children. The mother holds an infant in her lap while another child, slightly older and draped in a white garment, offers an orange to the infant. The background consists of a natural setting with lush greenery, which provides a tranquil ambiance that complements the tender interaction between the figures. The composition and attention to detail exemplify Bouguereau’s skill in rendering human figures and expressions, capturing a moment of purity and affection.
