Bellenblazende putti c. 1741 - 1780

This print, made by L. Angélique Martinet, presents a scene dominated by two putti blowing bubbles, surrounded by objects evoking earthly vanities. The bubbles, translucent and fleeting, symbolize the brevity of life and the ephemerality of worldly pleasures. These motifs are reminiscent of the 'vanitas' tradition, with origins stretching back to classical antiquity. We see these symbols echoed in Roman memento mori imagery where skulls and decaying flowers warned of the inevitable passage of time. Consider the recurring motif of bubbles in Dutch Golden Age paintings, as in works by artists like Gerrit Dou. Here, a bubble blown by a child signifies not only innocence but also the precarious nature of existence. The enduring appeal of such imagery lies in its capacity to tap into our collective unconscious. The 'vanitas' theme resurfaces throughout history, each time adapting to the anxieties and cultural preoccupations of its age, reminding us of the cyclical nature of human concerns.