On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00929
- Author
- Meléndez, Luis Egidio (Spanish)
- Title
- Still Life with a Chocolate Service
- Chronology
- 1770
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 50 cm x 37 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- No
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
The canvas describes a chocolate
service with its copper chocolate
pot, high, vertical stirring stick
and long horizontal handle. In
front, a large plate has a cup, a
bun and some cakes, one of which
rests directly on the table. In the
foreground, some chocolate
medallions spill out of their paper
wrapping.
This work is exceptional in its
depiction of objects of valuable
porcelain, such as the cup, which
may be Oriental, from the Compañía
de Indias. This was in keeping with
the high status of chocolate at
that time when, more than a drink,
it was a social event.
