A highly esteemed master of French Academic painting, William-Adolphe Bouguereau is known for his sublime articulation of the human body in his interpretations of religious, mythological and genre scenes. A Young Girl Seated on a Ledge falls into the latter category. Bouguereau often painted adolescent peasant girls, inspiring compassion and admiration. This staunchly naturalistic French Academic style met with strong opposition from modern movements of Impressionism, which won out and lead to the decline in popularity of the Academic style. Nonetheless, Bouguereau celebrated great renown in his lifetime with his wealthy patrons and prestigious teaching positions. Bouguereau used his influence as a teacher to open French art schools to female artists.
