The artwork titled “Boy Blowing Bubbles” was painted by Edouard Manet in 1869 in Paris, France. Rendered in oil on canvas, it belongs to the Realism art movement and measures 100.5 x 81.4 cm. It is categorized as a genre painting and is currently housed at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, Portugal.
The artwork depicts a young boy engrossed in the simple yet captivating act of blowing bubbles. He is presented in a realistic and naturalistic manner, characteristic of the Realism movement. The boy’s focus is evident as he uses a straw-like object to create the bubble, which is seen floating delicately in the air. His attire is modest, consisting of a light-colored shirt that contrasts with the dark, unobtrusive background, placing emphasis on the subject’s concentrated expression and the delicate bubble. The simplicity and purity of childhood are effectively captured through Manet’s meticulous brushwork and keen observation, embodying the genre painting’s focus on everyday life and activities.
