The innocence of a child's prayer is captured in the life-like drama of Bouguereau's exquisite style.
Some speculate that this rendition was meant, by the artist, to be the Blessed Virgin Mary as a child. Yet, since there is not even the faintest hint of a halo around the young woman's head, it remains mere speculation as the Virgin is traditionally depicted with some form of a halo.
Regardless, this painting remains a classic manifestation of the physical beauty of Bouguereau's subject and the metaphysical splendor of the theme: Transcendence of the soul to God through prayer.
Title: The Prayer | Artist: William Adolph Bouguereau
Patrick Werick
Author