The artwork titled “The Pearl” was created by William-Adolphe Bouguereau in 1894. This masterpiece, rendered with oil on canvas, fits within the tradition of Academicism and falls under the genre of nude painting (nu). The dimensions of the artwork are 141 by 75.6 centimeters.
In “The Pearl,” Bouguereau showcases a young woman portrayed in a nude state, kneeling with an air of modesty and vulnerability. Her skin is luminously rendered, contrasting with her dark flowing hair. The background features a soft, ethereal setting, with waves gently crashing against the shore, where she is situated. A single pearl rests on the ground near her knee, symbolizing purity and natural beauty. Bouguereau’s attention to detail and smooth brushwork enhance the realism and delicate nature of the scene, adhering to the aesthetic principles of the Academicism movement.