Soap Bubbles 1895

Ferdinand du Puigaudeau, a French artist who died in 1930, painted these children playing with soap bubbles. The girls, with their faces lit by an unseen light, appear to be captured in a moment of quiet concentration and joy. Considering the socio-economic context of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this scene presents a tender view of childhood, perhaps shielded from the hardships of the era. Here, gender and class are subtly presented; the girls’ simple clothing and domestic setting offer a glimpse into a world where leisure and play are possible, yet unpretentious. Puigaudeau captures an almost dreamlike innocence, evoking a sense of nostalgia for fleeting moments. The soap bubbles, symbols of fragility and transience, become a poignant reminder of childhood's ephemeral nature. The painting encourages a consideration of the intimate experiences of children.