Bouguereau had a passion for the classics, and he painted many works which were heavily influenced by classical masters. He completed over seven hundred works during his life, and his attention to detail was all absorbing to him. Bouguereau had a mastery of technical skill and a passion for rich color. Because he started his career having to struggle financially, once Bouguereau was a success he secretly assisted young artists who were also struggling as he had once done.