William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825 1905) French painter

In his own time, William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) was considered to be one of the greatest painters in the world by the academic art community, and simultaneously he was reviled by the avant-garde.
He also gained wide fame in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Romania, and the United States, and commanded high prices.
His works often sold within days of completion.
Some were viewed by international collectors and bought before work had even finished.
Music: Serenade