#55411 Belgium

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a table laden with food and flowers. A substantial lobster dominates the foreground, positioned on a silver platter alongside several ripe peaches, bunches of grapes, and tomatoes. The crustaceans vibrant red hue contrasts sharply with the muted tones of the tablecloth and surrounding objects.
The table itself is draped in a loosely arranged linen cloth, which falls unevenly to reveal portions of a stone pedestal supporting the arrangement. Scattered around the base are fallen leaves, suggesting an autumnal setting or perhaps a sense of decay encroaching upon abundance. A copper ewer sits prominently on the tabletop, reflecting light and adding warmth to the scene.
Behind the food display, a bouquet of flowers – roses, asters, and other blossoms – overflows from a ceramic vase. The floral arrangement is rendered with considerable detail, showcasing variations in color and texture. To the right, a wooden cabinet provides a darker backdrop, punctuated by glimpses of glass bottles and earthenware vessels.
The lighting appears to be diffused but directional, highlighting certain elements while casting others into shadow. This creates depth and volume within the composition. The artist’s attention to detail is evident in the rendering of textures – the sheen of the silver, the roughness of the stone pedestal, the velvety petals of the flowers, and the glossy skin of the fruit.
Subtly, the arrangement conveys a sense of opulent leisure and abundance. The inclusion of a lobster, a luxury food item, suggests wealth and privilege. However, the presence of fallen leaves and the slightly disheveled tablecloth introduce an element of transience – a reminder that even the most lavish displays are subject to the passage of time and eventual decline. The initials MC inscribed on a small box further hint at ownership or provenance, adding another layer of narrative complexity.