Artwork

Boy blowing bubbles

Boy blowing bubbles, by Edouard Manet, oil, 1867
Boy blowing bubbles, by Edouard Manet, oil, 1867

Boy blowing bubbles is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Edouard Manet. It dates from 1867 and is held in the collection of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.

About this work

Overview

Boy Blowing Bubbles is an oil-on-canvas painting created by Édouard Manet in 1867. The work is currently held in the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a young boy blowing bubbles with a stick, his face turned to the side in concentration. The scene is lit from the left, highlighting the boy and the bubbles against a dark background.

Technique & Style

Manet's use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and dimensionality in the composition. The contrast between the illuminated boy and the dark surroundings adds to the overall effect.

History & Provenance

The painting was acquired by the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum's founder in November 1943, via André Weil in New York.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Edouard Manet

Artist

Edouard Manet

Édouard Manet didn’t have much time to make his mark—he died at 51—but he used every year.