The Shepherd David - W. A. Bouguereau

This oil-on-canvas entitled "Shepherd David" was painted in 1878 by Elizabeth Jane Gardner, wife of William-Adolphe Bouguereau.

This American artist imitated her husband's style so well that the authorship of their paintings is often confused.

This work is based on the Biblical passage from the First Book of Samuel in which young King David demonstrates his courage in front of the people by fighting against Goliath and the greatest beasts: in this case, the lion.


This work is currently displayed in the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, DC, United States.