William Bouguereau - William Bouguereau Young Shepherdess Standing Painting

62 x 28 7/8 inches (157.5 x 73.5 cm)
Collection of Fred and Sherry Ross, USA
"A young shepherdess stands challenging the viewer, staff in hand. Bouguereau used a play on words when naming this painting, for the shepherdess is not only standing up, but also standing her ground, made evident by her bold and confident look. When the title is read in its original French form, it reads Jeune Bergere Debout. The use of 'debout' adds an additional play on words to the meaning, as it is very similar to the word 'debut', meaning a first prominent public appearance. In the late 1800's the word was commonly associated with the debut of a debutant. Bouguereau is saying quite clearly here that this young shepherdess is just as good as any debutant from high society, and is once again elevating the lower class to equality with that of the aristocracy."