Song of the Angels Value Guide

Originally painted in 1881, William-Adolphe Bouguereau's 'Song of the Angels' is a cornerstone of French academic art, celebrated for its idealized realism and divine serenity. These late 19th-century reproductions are highly collectible for their ability to capture the master's technical precision and the ethereal beauty of the Virgin Mary and Christ Child.

What Is Song of the Angels Worth?

The typical price range for Song of the Angels is $500 - $550 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the gold leafing and the integrity of the ornate gesso frame significantly impact the $500-$550 valuation.
• Clarity of the print and the absence of foxing or UV-related fading on the paper surface.
• Provenance or labels indicating the print was produced shortly after the 1881 original painting's debut.
• The overall size and scale of the framed piece, with larger format reproductions commanding the higher end of the price spectrum.

How to Identify Song of the Angels?

• Check for high-quality late 19th-century ink application on period-appropriate heavy paper stock.
• Examine the frame for authentic Victorian-era construction using wood, gesso, and genuine gold leafing.
• Verify the presence of Bouguereau's signature within the print, typically located in the lower corner as per the 1881 original.
• Look for signs of natural age-related patina on the gesso and gold leaf that align with a century of display.

History of Song of the Angels

William-Adolphe Bouguereau's 'Song of the Angels', originally painted in 1881, is a renowned work of academic art. It depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, surrounded by angels playing musical instruments. Bouguereau, a master of the human form and a leading figure in French academic painting, created works that were highly sought after during his lifetime for their beauty and idealized realism. 'Song of the Angels' captures a moment of serene divine contemplation, blending religious devotion with classical artistic principles. The original painting is housed in the Forest Lawn Museum in Glendale, California, and remains one of his most popular and frequently reproduced works, symbolizing innocence, purity, and celestial harmony.