Who painted Blowing Bubbles?

Blowing Bubbles was painted by Charles Edward Wilson in 1880.

Where can I see Blowing Bubbles?

Blowing Bubbles is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Blowing Bubbles?

Blowing Bubbles is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Blowing Bubbles

Charles Edward Wilson , 1880

Blowing Bubbles is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Charles Edward Wilson. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The watercolor shows a young girl seated on a wooden stool, blowing bubbles. She wears a yellow dress and a pink headscarf, and rests a blue‑and‑white porcelain cup on her lap. Behind her, a dark doorway frames a modest interior that includes a broom, a bucket, and a bunch of onions hanging from the wall.

Subject & Meaning

The girl’s gaze is directed upward toward the floating bubbles, suggesting a moment of quiet concentration. The simple domestic setting and the act of bubble‑blowing evoke themes of childhood leisure and the fleeting nature of play.

Technique & Style

Rendered in delicate watercolor washes, the work relies on soft, muted hues and subtle lighting to create a warm, intimate atmosphere. The handling of light and shadow hints at a restrained chiaroscuro, giving depth to the figure and surrounding objects without harsh contrast.

Context

The composition reflects a genre‑type scene common in 19th‑century European painting, where everyday domestic moments were elevated to subjects of modest moral or sentimental reflection. The inclusion of household items such as the broom, bucket, and onions grounds the image in a humble, rural interior.