The artwork titled “Jacob receiving Joseph’s bloody coat” by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, created in 1845, is an oil on canvas painting associated with the Academicism art movement. The painting is a religious piece measuring 110.5 x 144 cm.
The artwork depicts a poignant biblical scene where Jacob receives the bloodied coat of his son Joseph, who is believed to have been killed. The composition is characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow, emphasizing the raw emotion and despair of Jacob as he clutches at his chest in grief. The expressions of the surrounding figures, captured in mid-action, contribute to the intensity of the moment. Bouguereau’s use of meticulous detail and classical style bring a sense of realism and depth to the scene, aligning with the principles of Academicism. The figures are dressed in period-appropriate attire, and the background features elements that situate the event within its historical context.
