The Little Brother
Print (Offset lithograph or giclee reproduction) • William-Adolphe Bouguereau (Original Artist)
Style & Movement
Academic Classicism
Medium & Technique
Ink on paper (printed reproduction of an original oil painting)
Creation Period
Original painting 1855; this printed reproduction late 20th century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16 x 20 inches in a landscape format
Subject Description
A sentimental genre scene depicting a young girl holding her infant brother in her lap. The composition uses a dark, non-descript background to emphasize the porcelain skin tones and the pyramidal arrangement of the figures, characteristic of Bouguereau's idealized depictions of childhood.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears bright with no visible foxing, though the matting is modern commercial grade
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a museum gift shop or decor retailer; modern commercial framing label visible on the right side of the matting
Art Historical Significance
As a reproduction, its value is decorative; however, the original painting is a prime example of French Academic art that prioritized technical perfection and sentimental subject matter during the mid-19th century.
Notable Features
Features a cutout in the mat displaying a printed facsimile of the artist's signature and the year 1855; housed in a modern mahogany-colored frame with a gold fillet.
Condition Issues
Possible minor fading from UV exposure; acidic matting may cause yellowing of the paper edges over time
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading; replace current matting with acid-free archival materials if long-term preservation is desired