Chardin, Jean-Baptiste Simeon – Menu du Gras et ustensil de cuisine, 1731 Canvas 33 x 41 cm, companion piece of Inv.3204, Menu du Maigre (40-12-08/11). Inv.3205 Part 1 Louvre

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around culinary implements and foodstuffs, rendered in a subdued palette dominated by browns, ochres, and muted reds. A substantial copper pot occupies a central position, its cylindrical form reflecting the light with a soft sheen. Adjacent to it lies a fish, its silvery scales catching the illumination, while a cluster of cherries spills across a wooden surface. Hanging vertically behind these objects is a length of fabric, likely linen or cotton, dyed in shades of red and cream, creating a backdrop that both anchors the arrangement and introduces a textural element.
The artist has meticulously detailed the textures present: the rough grain of the wood table, the smooth surfaces of the metalware, the delicate skin of the fish, and the soft fuzziness of the fabric. This attention to materiality lends a tangible quality to the scene, inviting close observation. The lighting is carefully controlled; it appears to emanate from an unseen source on the left, casting subtle shadows that define form and create depth.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of objects, there are indications of underlying themes. The presence of rich foods – the fish, cherries, and presumably a more substantial meal implied by the pot – suggests abundance and prosperity. However, the muted tones and somewhat somber atmosphere temper this sense of opulence. It is not a celebratory display; rather, it feels like an intimate observation of everyday sustenance.
The inclusion of kitchen tools – a skimmer or ladle rests across the fish, alongside what appears to be a meat cleaver – hints at the labor involved in preparing food and maintaining a household. The arrangement isnt merely decorative; it speaks to the practicalities of domestic life. The book lying beneath some of the objects suggests learning or perhaps a record-keeping function related to provisions.
Ultimately, the painting offers a quiet meditation on the materiality of existence, the cycle of nourishment, and the understated beauty found within the commonplace rituals of daily living. The deliberate restraint in color and composition contributes to an atmosphere of contemplative stillness.