Bellenblazende jongen 1662 - 1726

This print of a boy blowing bubbles was made by an anonymous artist, and its small scale suggests it was made for private, rather than public, consumption. In Dutch Golden Age painting, bubble-blowing is a loaded symbol. The bubble represents the brevity of life, the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures, and the inevitability of death. It speaks to the Dutch Calvinist emphasis on hard work and piety, warning against the temptations of idleness. While the boy's clothing suggests that he is from an affluent family, the print reminds us that death comes to all, regardless of social standing. The added text in the print reinforces these associations by stating that bubbles represent ‘short Liv’d Comfort, endless Trouble.’ Understanding this image requires that we do some digging into the culture and social values of the time. By consulting historical texts, religious writings, and other artworks from the period, we can gain a richer appreciation of its meaning. The interpretation of art is always contingent on social and institutional context.