The Dance
William-Adolphe Bouguereau · 1856
Why it's great
Dancing figures in a circle, in a lively swirl of ancient costume. Bouguereau's graceful figures seem to move to music. It's a classical celebration of dance as part of life. The smooth surface and gentle poses are signatures of his style.
Where to see it
📍 Musée d'OrsayParis, France
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Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
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William-Adolphe Bouguereau was born in La Rochelle, on France's Atlantic coast, and studied in Paris and Rome. He became the most celebrated painter of the French Academy, famous for smooth, glowing figures from myths and everyday life. He taught thousands of students. When Impressionism rose, he fell from fashion, but his technical skill is again widely admired.
