William-Adolphe Bouguereau: 1825-1905

A traditionalist during the time of impressionism. Bouguereau experienced great success and was also looked down upon for his "stuck in the past" approach to painting. However, it is the heart ache in the eyes of Mother Mary as she holds the body of her deceased son Jesus that strikes a chord in me. Here, she judges us. Her eyes are tired and red from weeping, yet the stare at the viewer and confront us. The emotion and humanistic quality in this piece astounds me.