Fraternal Love 1851

William Bouguereau's Fraternal Love is made with oil paint on canvas, using Renaissance techniques of chiaroscuro and sfumato to create a high level of realism. While the subject matter seems sentimental, the labor involved in creating this illusion is considerable. Bouguereau would have built up layers of paint, carefully blending each stroke to create the soft, luminous skin tones. The folds of the clothing and the textures of the landscape also required a high level of technical skill and precision. Bouguereau's paintings were in high demand during his lifetime, and he was a commercially successful artist. The art market played a significant role in shaping his career. His paintings, made with such skill and precision, speaks to the culture of consumption and the commodification of art that was emerging in the 19th century. Paying attention to the materials, making, and context of an artwork helps us understand the full meaning, and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.