Oysters and prawns with a glass of wine Hubert Bellis (1831-1902)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around seafood and drink. A glass of wine occupies the upper right quadrant, its stem elongated and slightly angled towards the viewer. The vessel itself appears partially filled with a pale liquid, suggesting a white or light-colored wine. Adjacent to it, a pile of oysters and prawns dominates the foreground. The oysters are rendered with a focus on their pearlescent interiors, contrasted against the darker, textured shells. Several prawns are arranged amongst them, their reddish hues providing a visual counterpoint to the cool tones of the shellfish.
A scattering of lemons is interspersed within the arrangement, adding splashes of yellow and contributing to the overall sense of abundance. The objects rest on what appears to be a dark, roughly textured surface, likely a table or ledge. A few scattered fragments – perhaps remnants of shells or discarded ingredients – are visible near the base of the composition, hinting at a recent consumption or preparation.
The artist’s handling of paint is characterized by loose brushstrokes and a palpable sense of immediacy. The application of pigment is thick in places, creating a tactile quality that emphasizes the materiality of the objects depicted. A dark background envelops the scene, minimizing distractions and directing attention to the central arrangement.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of food and drink, the painting evokes themes of indulgence and fleeting pleasure. The choice of seafood – a delicacy often associated with luxury – suggests a moment of refined enjoyment. The slightly disheveled nature of the arrangement implies an unstudied ease, as if the scene were captured mid-revelry. Theres a sense of transience inherent in the perishable nature of the subject matter; the oysters and prawns represent a temporary indulgence, a pleasure destined to fade. The subdued lighting and dark background contribute to a mood of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to savor the moment alongside the implied participant.