Jacques Linard – The Five Senses and the Four Elements (with objects from the coat of arms of the Richelieu family) Part 2 Louvre

The composition presents a still life arranged on a dark, polished surface, likely a tabletop. A complex interplay of objects is meticulously rendered, suggesting a deliberate symbolic arrangement rather than a casual assemblage. The overall effect is one of controlled abundance and intellectual curiosity.
Dominating the central space is a large cooking pot suspended over what appears to be a small furnace. This immediately introduces themes of transformation and alchemy – the process of change through heat and manipulation. Within the pot, a vibrant red substance is visible, hinting at an ongoing reaction or creation. The presence of the furnace reinforces this notion of controlled experimentation.
To the left of the central pot, a feathered creature, possibly a pheasant or similar fowl, rests on a wooden plank. Its posture suggests stillness, perhaps representing sight and observation. A single iris flower in a glass vase stands nearby, further emphasizing visual perception.
The right side of the arrangement is characterized by a profusion of floral elements contained within a woven basket. These flowers, rendered with considerable detail, introduce an element of beauty and sensory pleasure – likely alluding to smell and taste. Adjacent to the basket sits a mirror reflecting a partially visible scene, suggesting introspection or a glimpse beyond the immediate reality. A wine glass stands nearby, further reinforcing themes of gustatory experience.
Scattered across the tabletop are numerous other objects: musical notation, dice, a melon, various fruits (pomegranates and citrus), herbs bundled together, scientific instruments (a telescope and what appears to be a microscope), and metallic vessels of differing shapes and sizes. These items contribute layers of meaning, hinting at intellectual pursuits – music, games of chance, natural philosophy, and the pursuit of knowledge through observation and experimentation. The inclusion of musical notation suggests harmony and order, while the dice introduce an element of unpredictability and fate.
The arrangement’s meticulous detail and symbolic density suggest a sophisticated audience familiar with alchemical symbolism, classical learning, and courtly culture. The objects are not merely decorative; they function as visual metaphors for concepts such as sensory experience, knowledge acquisition, transformation, and perhaps even the interplay between human agency and divine providence. The dark background serves to heighten the impact of the brightly lit objects, drawing attention to their symbolic weight and creating a sense of depth and mystery.