Mastercopy of "Premier Deuil" (Original painting by William Adolphe Bouguereau

The masterpaiting “Premier deuil” (original title) represents, through a pyramidal composition, the use of suffering bodies in a significant drama linked to biblical history.Abel's corpse lies on the lap of his father Adan, who clutches his aching heart for fear it will break and Eva kneels beside him crying uncontrollably, her face buried in her hands. The image is truly heartbreaking. Bouguereau was able to capture the gaze of death with an almost terrifying directness. This piece is aptly titled The Awakening of Sadness because it is the first time a human has had to suffer the loss of a loved one. The pain is only magnified by the fact that his son not only died, but was killed by his other son Cain, also making it the first act of murder. Bougureau also cleverly used a play on words to title this work, because not only are Adam and Eve in mourning, but dawn is approaching. It is the first 'morning' after Abel's death.