William Adolphe Bouguereau (French, 1825-1905)
oil on fabric, Framed - h:204.00 w:156.00 d:15.00 cm (h:80 5/16 w:61 3/8 d:5 7/8 inches) Unframed - h:164.50 w:117.80 cm (h:64 3/4 w:46 3/8 inches). Hinman B. Hurlbut Collection 432.1915
One of the most celebrated academic painters of his time, Bouguereau underscores the moral virtues of the Italian peasants in this painting by depicting the dome of St. Peter's in the distance. The idealized figures and their triangular grouping recall the Holy Family paintings by Renaissance master Raphael 400 years earlier. The painting was purchased directly from the artist by Cleveland banker and philanthropist Hinman B. Hurlbut in July 1879.
