William-Adolphe Bouguereau
William-Adolphe Bouguereau was a French academic painter. In his realistic genre paintings, he used mythological themes, making modern interpretations of classical subjects, with an emphasis on the female human body.
The theme of a young man at a window serenading a woman at her spinning wheel, dressed in costumes and set in a setting that evokes 16th-century Germany, prompted critics to link this painting with the tragic tale of Faust and Marguerite. The narrative of Faust, the villain, seducing the naive heroine Marguerite, drew significant attention in the 19th century, influenced by Goethe's dramatic poem and its operatic adaptation by Charles Gounod. Irrespective of the specific identities of the lovers, the richly painted, romantic tableau would have resonated with the affluent patrons of Bouguereau.
P.S. Knowing all the historical and cultural background of the masterpiece is useful but not necessary in order to enjoy it. In our free online course, How To Look At Art, we talk about that and we're giving some tips on how to open yourself up to art so it can resonate with you. Check it out in DailyArt Courses. :)
P.P.S. This secret meeting of two lovers is a bit similar to April Love by the Pre-Raphaelite Arthur Hughes. Delve into this masterpiece!