Soap Bubbles: From Vanitas to Science in Perugia Exhibition
The 'Utopia e bolle di sapone' exhibition at the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria in Perugia delves into the imagery of soap bubbles from the 16th century to the present. Curated by Michele Emmer, the display includes 60 artworks on loan from prominent national and international institutions, showcasing artists like Jean Siméon Chardin, Jan Bruegel the Younger, and Man Ray. The exhibition charts the transformation of bubbles from symbols of life's transience, often illustrated with a putto, to a focus of scientific study inspired by Isaac Newton's research on light. Noteworthy items include prints and the iconic Pears soap ad inspired by John Everett Millais's 'Soap Bubbles.' Accompanying events feature performances, talks, and workshops for all ages.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Utopia e bolle di sapone' at Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, Perugia
- 60 works on loan from national and international institutions
- Covers period from 16th century to contemporary
- Artists include Chardin, Fra Galgario, Bruegel, Dou, Dujardin, Man Ray, Beckmann, Paolini, PTW Architects
- Includes prints, engravings, photographs, posters, advertisements from Collezione Salce, Treviso
- Features Pears soap advertisement based on Millais's 'Soap Bubbles'
- Satirical print of Napoleon with soap bubbles (1810-14) from Museo Napoleonico, Rome
- Idea by Michele Emmer, based on his 2010 book 'Bolle di sapone tra arte e matematica' (Premio Viareggio)
- Catalog by Silvana Editoriale; children's book by Aguaplano Libri with illustrations by Francesca Greco
- Side events: performances, talks, guided tours, conferences, screenings, workshops
Entities
Artists
- Michele Emmer
- Jean Siméon Chardin
- Fra Galgario
- Jan Bruegel il Giovane
- Gerrit Dou
- Karel Dujardin
- Man Ray
- Max Beckmann
- Giulio Paolini
- John Everett Millais
- Francesca Greco
- Isaac Newton
- Laura Ghirlandetti
Institutions
- Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria
- Collezione Salce
- Museo Napoleonico
- Silvana Editoriale
- Aguaplano Libri
- PTW Architects
- Artribune
Locations
- Perugia
- Italy
- Treviso
- Rome