The Elder Sister

"The Elder Sister" is a celebrated painting by French artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau, created in 1869. The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston acquired this exquisite piece in 1992, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who contributed it in memory of her father.

The painting depicts a serene scene featuring a young girl, referred to as the elder sister, seated on a rock with a sleeping baby in her lap. The backdrop is a tranquil rural landscape, enhancing the painting's calm and tender atmosphere. Bouguereau used his own children, Henriette and Paul, as models, adding a personal dimension to the work. The girl, impeccably dressed, gazes directly at the viewer, fostering an engaging and intimate connection.

The dimensions of the painting are 51¼ × 38¼ inches (130.2 × 97.2 cm), and it is framed in a piece measuring 67½ × 55 × 5½ inches (171.5 × 139.7 × 14 cm). Notably, Bouguereau painted another version of "The Elder Sister" in 1864, which is housed at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City.

Bouguereau's masterful portrayal of innocence and familial bonds in "The Elder Sister" has made it a standout in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's collection, captivating visitors with its timeless beauty and emotional depth.