Seifenblasender Knabe c. 1880

Franz von Stuck’s *Seifenblasender Knabe* (c. 1880), depicts a young boy blowing soap bubbles while sitting in a tree. The whimsical scene is set against a backdrop of a pale blue sky, suggesting a carefree and innocent atmosphere. The boy’s cheerful expression, combined with the delicate nature of the soap bubbles, evokes a sense of childlike wonder. The painting exemplifies Stuck’s early artistic style, which often featured allegorical themes and a heightened sense of symbolism. This playful depiction of childhood innocence is a recurring motif in Stuck’s work, often associated with the German *Jugendstil* movement.