Henri Horace Roland de la Porte – The light meal Part 3 Louvre

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a modest repast. A dark wooden surface serves as the foreground, supporting a collection of everyday objects arranged with deliberate care. To the left, a glass goblet and a pewter pitcher hold milk, their surfaces reflecting the light in subtle gradations. Adjacent to them lie several small pastries, seemingly sugared or glazed, alongside two apples – one red, one green – and a few crumbs scattered on the surface. A woven basket dominates the right side of the scene, overflowing with what appear to be rolls or buns. A small square of cheese sits near the edge of the table.
The lighting is carefully controlled; it emanates from an unseen source, casting soft shadows and highlighting the textures of the objects. The dark background creates a sense of depth and focuses attention on the still life itself. The artist’s brushwork appears loose and expressive, particularly in the rendering of the baskets weave and the subtle imperfections of the fruit.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of food, the painting suggests themes of domesticity and simple pleasures. The arrangement is not opulent; it speaks to a quiet enjoyment of basic sustenance rather than lavish indulgence. There’s an understated elegance in the presentation – the careful placement of each item implies a deliberate act of creation or appreciation.
The subdued color palette reinforces this sense of tranquility, with browns, creams, and muted reds dominating the scene. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to appreciate the beauty found within ordinary moments. The inclusion of the signature in the lower right corner – a subtle detail – grounds the work firmly within a specific historical context while simultaneously acknowledging the artists presence.