Bellenblazend jongetje c. 1592 - 1593

Theodor de Bry's "Bellenblazend jongetje" is a small engraving from c. 1592 - 1593. This etching, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a man, woman, and a child engaging in leisurely activities, likely symbolic of the life of humans. The child, the focal point of the composition, blows a bubble, representing the fleeting nature of life. The man and woman likely symbolize Adam and Eve, who are shown in a state of innocence, before the Fall of Man. The scene is set in a lush landscape, with a tree providing shade, emphasizing the peaceful and carefree setting. This engraving is part of a larger series by de Bry, known for his detailed representations of different cultures and peoples.