Gezeten putto die bellen blaast. c. 1670 - 1740

Gilliam van der Gouwen created this print of a seated putto blowing bubbles in the Netherlands, sometime before 1740. The image engages with a visual tradition that uses childhood as a symbol. Here, the bubble becomes a symbol of the transience of life. The meaning of this image is created through the visual codes of the Dutch Golden Age. Looking closely, we see that the putto is framed by a sundial on the left, drawing attention to the fleeting nature of time. This cultural context emphasizes the temporary and fragile aspects of human existence. The image also speaks to the influence of religious thought on Dutch art, where earthly pleasures are often viewed as temporary distractions from spiritual pursuits. By studying the art and literature of the Dutch Golden Age, we can understand the ideas that shaped Gilliam van der Gouwen's work. This approach allows us to appreciate the complexities of the work, and the role of art as something deeply embedded in its social and institutional context.