Study for Vierge aux anges 

William Bouguereau made this preparatory oil on canvas for a larger painting in nineteenth-century France. Bouguereau sought academic recognition within institutions such as the École des Beaux-Arts, and he became known for his classical and idealized style. This study depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, surrounded by angels making music. The image reflects the religious and cultural values of the time, where the Catholic Church held significant influence. It is clear that his choice of subject would be considered both conservative and traditional. What makes Bouguereau interesting from a social perspective, is his relationship with the establishment. It’s vital for an art historian to look at the ways that the art world—academies, salons, patrons—has shaped the type of art produced. By consulting archives, exhibition records, and contemporary criticism, we can better understand the artist's position within the social and institutional context of his time.