The First Mourning, William-Adolphe Bouguereau (c. 1888)
William-Adolphe Bouguereau's The First Mourning portrays Adam and Eve grieving over the body of their son, Abel, after he was slain by his brother, Cain. The composition captures an intensely emotional and tragic moment, depicting the raw sorrow of the first human parents as they experience the first death in history, according to biblical tradition.
The First Mourning exemplifies Bouguereau’s mastery of realism, with exquisite attention to anatomy, texture, and expression. The figures of Adam and Eve are rendered with sculptural precision, their intertwined bodies reinforcing their shared anguish and despair. The muted color palette, along with the soft yet dramatic lighting, heightens the solemnity of the scene.
William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825–1905) was a French Academic painter, renowned for his flawless technique, classical compositions, and idealized human figures. His works often focused on mythological, religious, and allegorical themes, blending emotional depth with meticulous craftsmanship. The First Mourning stands as one of his most poignant religious paintings, embodying grief, loss, and the profound weight of human suffering through a composition of tender sorrow and timeless beauty.
Cotton and polyester canvas on Radiata pine wood frame sourced from renewable forests. Includes back mounting.
