An Art Reel: William Adolphe Bouguereau. William Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) 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. During his life, he enjoyed significant popularity in France and the U.S., was given numerous official honors, and received top prices for his work. As the quintessential salon painter of his generation, he was reviled by the Impr