CHARDIN JEAN BAPTISTE SIMEON – „A meager diet with kitchen utensils Louvre (Paris)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around domesticity and sustenance. A roughly hewn wooden table serves as the primary plane, its surface worn and marked with the patina of repeated use. Upon it are assembled various kitchen implements and provisions, rendered in a muted palette dominated by browns, greens, and ochres.
A substantial copper pot occupies a prominent position on the left side, its form softened by shadow and reflecting a dull sheen. Adjacent to it lies a length of cured meat – likely ham or bacon – draped over the edge of the table, its reddish hue providing a stark contrast against the surrounding tones. A simple cloth hangs nearby, adding another textural element to the scene.
To the right, a green earthenware jug stands alongside a dark glass bottle, both contributing to the sense of everyday utility. Scattered around these objects are a few dried caper berries and what appear to be small pieces of preserved fruit – perhaps cherries or plums – suggesting a modest, perhaps frugal, meal. A wooden mallet rests near the edge of the table, its presence hinting at food preparation or other household tasks.
The lighting is subdued and diffused, creating an atmosphere of quiet intimacy. The artist has employed a technique that emphasizes texture and materiality; one can almost feel the roughness of the wood, the coolness of the metal, and the fragility of the dried fruit. Theres a deliberate avoidance of grand gestures or dramatic effects.
Beyond the literal depiction of objects, the painting evokes themes of simplicity, resourcefulness, and perhaps even melancholy. The limited selection of food suggests a life lived close to necessity, while the worn condition of the utensils speaks to years of service. It is not an image of abundance but rather one that acknowledges the realities of daily existence for many individuals. The overall effect is one of understated dignity and quiet contemplation – a glimpse into a world defined by practicality and restraint.