Fish (Still Life) Édouard Manet (1832-1883)

This painting is a still life, featuring a variety of seafood and kitchen accoutrements. In the foreground, spread across a white tablecloth, are several plump oysters, some still in their shells, revealing their pearly interiors. Next to them lies a vibrant red fish, its scales catching the light. Dominating the center is a large, silvery fish, its head turned towards the viewer, its mouth slightly open. A dark, slippery-looking eel is coiled near the oysters, adding a touch of the unusual to the arrangement. To the right, a bright yellow lemon and a dark-handled knife rest on the cloth, hinting at preparation. Behind the seafood, a large, burnished copper pot with a lid sits prominently, its metallic surface reflecting the surroundings. The background is a deep, rich brown, providing a stark contrast that makes the objects in the foreground stand out.
The subtexts of this painting can be interpreted in several ways. Firstly, as a traditional still life, it celebrates the bounty of nature and the art of domesticity, showcasing the raw ingredients for a meal. The richness of the seafood and the gleam of the copper pot suggest wealth and abundance. The loose brushwork, especially on the tablecloth and the fish, is characteristic of Impressionist or Realist styles, focusing on the immediate visual impression rather than meticulous detail. This could imply a celebration of the fleeting beauty of the moment.
However, the inclusion of the eel, a creature often associated with the uncanny or even the unsettling, adds a layer of complexity, possibly hinting at the less picturesque aspects of nature or the sea. The open mouth of the large fish could be seen as a moment of vulnerability or even a last breath. The overall composition, with its dramatic lighting and arrangement of textures, invites the viewer to contemplate not just the visual appeal of the scene but also themes of life, death, and sustenance. The painting’s frank depiction of raw food might also be seen as a commentary on the reality of food preparation, moving beyond idealized portrayals.