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When describing the work of this prolific painter of still lifes, it is frequently said that Luis Meléndez included only commonplace objects in his canvases; this painting, in fact, offers the exception that proves the rule. Amid the various objects represented here are a porcelain cup and large saucer, or plate, which seem to be East Asian rather than Spanish. Indeed, they may be Cantonese
A cartoon painted in 1778 for a tapestry to hang over the dining room door at the el Pardo Palace. Preparatory drawings by the artist´s brother, Francisco Bayeu, are at the Biblioteca Nacional and in a private collection in London.
These panels (P02838, P02839, P02840), along with a fourth one in a private collection, illustrate the Story of Nastagio degli Onesti, the eighth novel of the fifth day of Boccaccio´s Decameron. This is the story of Nastagio, a young man from Ravenna who was rejected by the daughter of Paolo Traversari and abandoned the city to settle on its outskirts. The third panel shows the guests´ reaction to
It has often been stated that this painting is part of a series of four, all now in the Prado, but that is probably not the case. The dimensions of all four paintings (P1619, P1620, P1621, P1622) are similar, but their provenance is not. This, and Table with Cloth, Salt Cellar, Gilt Standing Cup, Pie, Jug, Porcelain Plate with Olives and Cooked Fowl (P1622), are first documented when they were inv
The composition of this still-life follows a strict geometric schema, in the manner of Juan van der Hamen. Two baskets and two metal plates flank a dark bottle in the center of the painting, marking the main axis of symmetry around which the composition is organized. One of the baskets contains a mound of hazelnuts and chestnuts with smooth, shiny skin, both nuts associated with autumn. The basket
A narrow board bears a small selection of objects and victuals worthy of a snack. Their volumes and qualities are defined by the light, making the various elements stand out on a very dark background. The perceptible influence of Sánchez Cotán and the knowledge of Italian tenebrist painting made this the most unanimously admired still life by Van der Hamen. The view of these sweets b
