The First Mourning

"The First Mourning" is a powerful oil on canvas painting by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, completed in 1888. Measuring an impressive 79 7/8 by 99 1/8 inches, this evocative piece is housed at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The painting captures the heart-wrenching moment when Adam and Eve discover the lifeless body of their son Abel, who has been murdered by his brother Cain. This tragic scene represents the first human death as described in the Bible. Adding another layer of poignancy to the artwork, Bouguereau painted it shortly after losing his own second son.

Originally titled "Premier Deuil" in French, the name translates to "The First Mourning" in English, reflecting the deep sorrow and grief depicted in the painting.