“Water Carrier” by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, rendered in oil on canvas, is an exquisite example of academicism. Measuring 139.7 x 78.8 cm, this genre painting exquisitely captures a scene from everyday life through Bouguereau’s masterful execution. The artwork is notable for its detailed realism and the delicate portrayal of the subject.
The artwork presents a young girl standing barefoot, carrying a water jug. She is clothed in humble attire, consisting of a blue dress with a white apron and headscarf. The backdrop features a rustic stone structure, perhaps a well, and lush greenery, indicating a rural setting. The girl’s serene expression and the careful rendering of light and texture reflect Bouguereau’s attention to detail and his desire to depict ordinary subjects with grace and elegance.