Bellenblazende putti 1778 - 1838

This drawing by Anthonie van den Bos presents us with a delightful scene of putti, or cherubic figures, playfully blowing bubbles. These aren't mere children's games; within the ephemeral nature of bubbles lies a potent symbol of life's fleeting beauty and transience. The motif of the "homo bulla," or "man is a bubble," has roots stretching back to classical antiquity, reappearing in Roman funerary art and Renaissance vanitas paintings, where bubbles serve as memento mori, reminders of mortality. Here, the putti, traditionally associated with divine love and innocence, engage with this symbol, creating a poignant contrast. The scene evokes a sense of melancholy, a subconscious awareness of life's impermanence even amidst joy. The bubble motif continues to evolve. We find its echo in modern art, where it morphs to express everything from ecological fragility to personal vulnerability. This enduring symbol invites us to contemplate our place in the ever-changing flow of existence, a sentiment that resonates deeply within the human psyche.