William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825–1905): In His Own Words – How He “Chanced” Into Art

In an interview with a biographer, William Bouguereau relates his journey into art. It is at La Rochelle that I was born, as I told you. What decided me to follow my career was the great master of the world, chance. I was in a college in Pouce, and the drawing teacher came from Paris. He had participated in the legendary struggles of the studios of Gros and Ingres. As you know, there was between the two schools a profound hatred. Our professor was obliged, however, to leave it to gain his living. It was thus occasion and want which made him a drawing master, and it was thanks to this chance—see how strange all is in life—I chose my career. He encouraged me to persevere, and it was following his advice that I started for Bordeaux to follow the classes of the Municipal School of Design, and from there I went to Paris, and I entered at Picot's Atelier at the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1850, I obtained the Prix de Rome with a picture called Zénobie trouvée sur les bords de Iarax, and shared this first nomination with Paul Baudry. Then I went to Rome, and came back from there with a picture Le Corps de Saint-Cécile apporté dans les catacombes, bought for the Luxembourg Museum. Since then, I have only had to follow my line. This remarkable account of how chance shaped one of the greatest academic painters of the 19th century reminds us that art history is filled with such pivotal moments and personal journeys. For those inspired to delve deeper into the lives and works of master artists, like Bouguereau, our expanding collection of e-book publications offers intimate access to their stories and masterpieces. Click the link below.