Posted on 02/19/06 by N. Atkin, Derby, England
Love or hate his works? How do you hate this? Wonderful.

Posted on 02/18/06 by E. Freeman, Los Angeles, CA
We do not fault cats for not behaving like dogs, or milk for not tasting like wine. In the same way, we should not fault Bouguereau for not accomplishing something he never set out to do. His paintings are masterpieces of banality, a worthy goal in and of itself. Not all great art has to be challenging; think of Mozart, Ansel Adams, the Rolling Stones. Pure entertainment is a supreme human endeavor, and Bouguereau is a genius at it.

Posted on 02/18/06 by M. Charbonneau, Boston, MA
I would say that Mr. Adolphe-William Bouguereau was an excellent painter with a focused mind; but he seems to have gotten off the track, so to speak, as to the trueness of the subject. Perhaps not enough homework, not well enough educated...or a bit crude.

Posted on 02/18/06 by Kristi, Long Beach, CA
Just STUNNING! Hard to take my eyes off this one...It looks so REAL, I feel like I am THERE. "Incredibly beautiful" doesn't begin to describe this painting. Emotionally moving. Takes me back to my childhood—I think this was what Mom was trying to teach me about the goodness of God.

Posted on 02/18/06 by R. Peterson, Los Angeles, CA
Looking forward to your William Bouguereau treat. I previously viewed his work in an exhibition at the Musée du Petit-Palais (Paris) in 1984. I like his paintings, yet reservations linger. In his Pieta and The Education of Bacchus, Bouguereau brings the same perfected sheen to Christian and pagan themes as he does to his domestic figures. Yet I always felt his work lacked gravity. For instance, the full-bodied exuberance in his Bacchus bypasses the underlying horror that Thomas Mann describes (in a similar scene) in his clash-and-clang march of pagan celebrants in Death in Venice. After reading your Bouguereau introduction, it comes to mind that video artist Bill Viola achieves the same "flawless technique," in particular in his video installation Emergence (2002). But there, too, I was aware of something missing. Both artists engage in "mirror-smooth, romanticized" works. But for me, I now realize that the superficial sheen that is the hallmark of their perfection obscures mythological depth, the underlying mystery fueled by ancient patterns that still cause nightmares in the psyche.

Posted on 02/15/06 by M. Junge, Yucca Valley, CA
Bouguereau's work is stunning. I guess his critics would rather see images of the Virgin smeared with filth—that would be less "syrupy." If these critics actually knew something about art, I might respect their opinions. But the blind have been leading the blind for far too long.

Posted on 02/15/06 by B. Yoder, Pasadena, CA
I'm thrilled to see Bouguereau's paintings getting the prominence and respect that they have always deserved but frequently been denied. Great work!

Posted on 02/14/06 by C. Range, Knoxville, TN
The criticism of Bouguereau has always been in reaction to his genius. If he'd only been a lovable hack, nobody would care.

Posted on 02/14/06 by Nora, Midwest USA
I am in awe of the man and his work. It's a shame the techniques he mastered at such an early age have been lost. What a teacher he would have been.

Posted on 02/14/06 by L. Hall, San Antonio, TX
Mr. Bouguereau is without doubt one of the finest painters to have ever lived. I have looked for his paintings in every museum I go to. I have three canvas prints on the wall, and have dedicated myself to attempting his style in my own works. Few artists are his equal. Fewer still can be said to capture life with such...intimacy.

Posted on 02/14/06 by V. Elliott, Penngrove, CA
It's wonderful that the Getty has restored this underappreciated masterpiece. I will make a trip to Los Angeles just to see it in its newly restored condition. I hope to see other museums following the Getty's example.

Posted on 02/14/06 by T. Hoover, Ontario, CA
I have always loved A Young Girl Defending Herself Against Eros. When the Getty first opened, I was there and purchased it as a postcard. I treasured it in my living room. My first daughter, who is 18 now, looks like the the "young girl," and my five-year-old daughter looks so much like "Eros." Please thank all the people involved in making this museum available to all.

Posted on 02/14/06 by S. Flaherty, Shenandoah Valley, VA
Bouguereau's work is beautiful. It makes you feel good about being a human being. For people who love the luminous beauty of God's creation and the beauty and order inside themselves and in others, Bouguereau is a kindred spirit. His language in paint is eloquent.

Posted on 02/13/06 by D. Meazell, Tyler, TX
React? How does one react to Bouguereau? It is like the finest music your inner ear has ever experienced, a symphony of color that all the senses pick up on, and realism painted by the master's hand! Anyone who doesn't like Bouguereau must be void of intelligence in classical art. Not like Bouguereau, indeed! That's like saying you don't life fine champagne and chocolate.

Posted on 02/12/06 by J. Paul, San Jose, CA
This restored painting by Bouguereau is one of the most beautiful and moving works of art I have seen in my life. I was nearly brought to tears by seeing this and the artworks in the adjoining gallery.

Posted on 02/10/06 by C. Ellis, California
I think of this artist as the final movement in the lush style of the 19th century, and how perfectly he executes and ends it. Just as art and design often reach back to the myths and symbols of other idyllic eras, introspection about our modern sense of culture and style can only be fortified by contemplating these works. Thank you for the exhibit.

Posted on 02/09/06 by B. Fredericksen, Los Angeles, CA
Is this a sign that the Getty is selling out? Who can we rely upon to hold up standards of decency and good taste? How does the Getty dare to put such unprovocative things on the wall, things that have nothing to do with the everyday world? Smooth paintings: disgusting! They should limit the walls to rough, very provocative things that will offend as many people as possible!

Posted on 02/08/06 by L. Taylor, Orange County, CA
Beautiful, magnificient works, and the beauty has been restored for us to view and enjoy today.

Posted on 02/07/06 by L. Higdon, Ridgecrest, CA
The attention to detail is almost unnerving. The subjects are almost too perfect. I expect them to step off the canvas. In early March I will bring students with me to view the paintings. It is a "must see" exhibit in my book.

Posted on 02/07/06 by J. Morgan, Cerritos, CA
I think he represents the French in all their romantic flair and ability to convey a sense of passion. I also think the restoration allows for the detail to be appreciated.

Posted on 02/07/06 by H. Amster, Tarzana, CA
Great works. However, it would be nice to see a major exhibiton of his works. David and Rembrandt were great exhbitions, and I anticipate the same regarding the upcoming Courbet and Rubens/Brueghel exhibitions. Keep the paintings exhibitions coming. Before the David exhibition there was an undesirable long absence.

Posted on 02/07/06 by J. Schleimer, Carrollton, TX
We are rarely shocked by art any more. The virtuosity in Bouguereau's work is reward enough. I hope to see it.

Posted on 02/05/06 by B. Brandt, Upland, CA
Many years ago, when A Young Girl Defending Herself Against Eros was being displayed at the Getty Museum in Malibu, I brought my parents, visiting from Connecticut, to the Museum. Perhaps it was the similarity of the name (my late dad's name was Adolph William Brandt), but we all loved the painting. I bought a print at the gift shop, and she hangs on my bedroom wall to this day. I particularly like the thistle at the base of the block she is sitting on, with the pretty flower atop a prickly plant, a perfect metaphor for her holding Eros at arm's length while tendering an encouraging smile.

Posted on 02/05/06 by Julieta, Los Angeles, CA
This is the best art I have ever seen. He is a genius!

Posted on 02/04/06 by S. Hellwig, Pasadena, CA
Critics have scoffed at this painter for too long. His works are beautiful. On the other hand, the Impressionists are overrated. Their works are sloppy, murky compositions at best.

Posted on 02/04/06 by L. Pozuelos, Panorama City, CA
I think the painting is phenomenal. The blending and the tones in the background truly enhance the figures. It was painted with precision and excellence.

Posted on 02/03/06 by S. Torgeson, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
I have heard of the artist before, never seeing his work until now. His paintings are beautiful. There is such a feeling of reality in the painting. I was consumed by them on the screen, and I can only imagine their impact in person. Amazingly talented!

Posted on 02/03/06 by E. Woyus, Norwalk, CA
I guess I qualify as bourgeois, because I like it.

Posted on 02/03/06 by B. Shapiro, Encino, CA
I don't fit into either Scott Schaefer's categories when he says, "You either like Bouguereau or you think he's the most abhorrent artist who ever lived." I think Bouguereau and other academic artists produced important and compelling work just as much as the modern artists who followed them. I think there were problems with their approach to art, and there was a reason for the avant-garde revolt, but I think the criticism is overstated and blind to their accomplishments. People who in absolute terms love or hate Bouguereau are generally extreme partisans, like partisan Republicans or Democrats.

Knowing something about that era, it would also seem to be a mistake to say that he was generally hated by critics. He had some circles criticize him, but he was also often praised and recognized—even modern artists who followed him recognized the value of his art. Even Clement Greenberg, the great critic of academic art as kitsch, stated that when Bouguereau was good he was very good. Other academic artists, like Thomas Couture, were openly admired by philosophers, novelists, and other intellectuals at the time. I believe the common interpretation of how academic art was recieved is a bit simplistic.

Academic art, and Bouguereau's art, was more admired by intellectuals than one today might think it was, because of about a century of art critics who have had certain ideological tendencies and reasons to obscure them.

Posted on 02/03/06 by S. Jarrett, Chattanooga, TN
I am glad to see the Getty featuring the work of Bouguereau. It is way too often that we only see his name half-mentioned in western art history texts, juxtaposed next to names such as Monet, Degas, and Cézanne. But anyone who views Bouguereau's paintings first-hand has to admit that there is something mysteriously wonderful about the way he dealt with both his subject matter and his canvas. It is definite that Bouguereau deserves much more credit in our study of art than that due to a mere "academic painter."

Posted on 02/01/06 by A. Wohletz, Los Alamos, NM
I am very impressed. The composition and resolution of detail is near photographic from what can be seen on your Web site. It is easy to see why this stylized technique would be considered too much by "critics."

Posted on 02/01/06 by Noel, Los Angeles, CA
He's a better secular artist than a religious one.

Posted on 01/31/06 by Leo, West Hills, CA
What a beautiful painting! I must come to visit the Getty Center just to see the exhibition.

Posted on 01/31/06 by N. Vogee, Longmont, CO
I feel jealousy and envy as I read what others say about such a talent. These works are "yummy." I am friend of many artists, and I too dabble in acrylics. These paintings are priceless and should only be admired for their beauty. I do tire of people reading so much into someone we did not know. He was given a special gift and used it.

Posted on 01/30/06 by J. Smith, Omaha, NE
Bravo to the Getty for showing how conservation of a painting will revitalize it for future enjoyment! Adolphe-William Bouguereau's work and teaching of many American artists in France is part American art history. Return of Spring held by the Joslyn Art Museum, with it torrid history, is a gentle work. Regardless of critics, the art Bouguereau produced is interesting in sentiment and color and reflects the end of an era of European art.

Posted on 01/29/06 by J. Olson, Laguna Niguel, CA
Gentle and sweet.

Posted on 01/28/06 by C. Miller, Yucca Valley, CA
I think his paintings are magnificent. They give me the feeling that the subjects could walk right off the canvas into my life. Amazing.

Posted on 01/28/06 by D. Batman, Lake Arrowhead, CA
Incredibly lifelike. Absolutely beautiful.

Posted on 01/27/06 by V. Little, Los Angeles, CA
This is 19th-century kitsch.

Posted on 01/27/06 by R. Dabor, Warkworth, Ont., Canada
Adorable and moving.

Posted on 01/26/06 by D. Beck, Lompoc, CA
I liked the paintings and was much impressed with the "brightening" of the painting through restoration. Yes, the subjects are syrupy, but so well done that I find them intriguing. I like it.

Posted on 01/26/06 by L. Velder, Newell, SD
I like the paintings. The colors are balanced, pleasing to view, and tell the story he is trying to convey. His talent is shown in his variety of subjects.

Posted on 01/26/06 by P. Boeuf, France
We can criticize these masters of technique such as Bouguereau, but we should note their disappearance today. Leonard, by restoring this painting, was impressed by this work. The paintings of the Old Masters have not disappeared because their art is obsolete, but because photography killed the need for such a skill. I'm convinced that a Renaissance of this art can occur. The Virgin of the Angels is splendid. Deep respect. Only poetry can describe such a work. Bravo Bouguereau!

Posted on 01/26/06 by D. Berger, Santa Monica, CA
This painting is exquisite. I love how it looks so real. I really look forward to viewing this painting in person.

Posted on 01/26/06 by Vicki, Los Angeles, CA
I love him. He's amazing in detail and reality.

Posted on 01/26/06 by C. Blackburn, Pomona, CA
My reaction to the Virgin of the Angels is that there is a emotionalism that I prefer to not indulge in, but I can admire the man's craft. There may be more that I am missing on my first viewing. The painting of Young Girl Defending Herself Against Eros is a much more interesting painting to me. If I view it through the glasses of today it still seems to ring true. It has from this point of view a modern theme. Eros is harmless as a little boy, and the young girl doesn't seem to mind him too much. he thinks lightly of him and he will overcome her and gently place the arrow in her heart as a slow, peaceful, indulgent act. A modern thought—giving in to Eros, the one who was so hated and thought of as a devil. He is really just a little boy.

Posted on 01/25/06 by A. Smets, Walsoorden, the Netherlands
Just incredible that an artist can realize such paintings with the use of his master hand, paint, and brushes. I have great appreciation for this kind of work, being an art manager for modern artists.

Posted on 01/25/06 by M. Engelberg, Culver City, CA
Bury it!

Posted on 01/25/06 by E. Shuford, Dallas, TX
Wonderful. He loves art and the rest of God's world. He approaches the angels while the critics and their followers join the feral pigs—a Mozart against rappers.

Posted on 01/25/06 by K. Anderson, Fresno, CA
Since 1985 I have been very interested in Christian religious art. Bouguereau stands out as a painter of beauty and has created one of the most beautiful Madonna and Child paintings ever. Thank you for this restoration project and exhibit. His works are simply amazing.

Posted on 01/25/06 by M. Buitron, Long Beach, CA
One wonders if being a technically proficient artist and a painter of pretty pictures is enough. If that is to be the case, then I would expect that museumgoers of the next century will be debating the merits of Thomas Kinkade. Both artists demonstrate the abilities to compose a scene and push paint around a canvas in a way that has been shown to be popular and pleasing. What is utterly lacking in Bouguereau's work has to do with the qualities of expectation. Like all mediocre arts—and this can include everything from popular fiction to television—Bouguereau meets one's expectations. Great art—works that I return to time and again—are those that challenge, confront, and exceed my expectations. If visual art is to bring us to a higher place, it can do no less.

Posted on 01/24/06 by A. Reybachek, Westlake, CA
The pictures are sentimental, but they're also beautiful. Virgin of the Angels is a really luminous and touching painting. I've seen it at Forest Lawn, but it looks totally different here without the glass, and with the whites restored. Thank you.