Bouguereau painted many biblical, pagan and really trivial moments in his life. Most biblical paintings pick a well known or popular scene to play to the audience or the rich patron.

In this case Bouguereau has chosen a very unusual situation: Adam and Eve mourn the death of Abel – who was famously slain by his Brother Cain. Abel was the first human to die – and also the first one to by slain by his own kin and kind. And he is also considered the first Martyr.

What a great start for humanity after being exiled from Paradise.

Death scenes make great drama and many painters really go for christian kitsch and symbolism (especially in biblical scenes). Bouguereau keeps it very simple and very human.

The painting has also a very personal meaning: Bouguereau painted it after the death of his second son.