An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Afternoon Meal (La Merienda)Luis Meléndez
Spanish, Naples 1716–1780 Madrid
ca. 1772
41 1/2 x 60 1/2 in. (105.4 x 153.7 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
The Jack and Belle Linsky Collection, 1982
In "The Afternoon Meal" (La Merienda), Luis Meléndez creates a serene still life that invites the viewer to appreciate the simple beauty of everyday objects. The composition is a bountiful display of fruits, bread, and utensils, each item carefully arranged to capture natural light.
The softly curved melon, juicy grapes, and ripe peaches exude freshness, making the viewer feel as if they could reach out and touch them. The glistening surfaces and rich colors suggest a moment of abundance, a quiet celebration of nature's gifts.
In the background, a tranquil landscape hints at a larger world beyond this intimate scene. The lush greenery and open sky create a harmony with the arranged objects, emphasizing the connection between nature and nourishment.
Meléndez’s meticulous attention to detail reveals his mastery in rendering textures, from the softness of the fruits to the sheen of the metallic utensils. Each element tells a story of daily life and simple pleasures, immersing us in a moment that feels both timeless and personal. In this peaceful depiction, one can almost smell the freshness of the food and hear the gentle rustle of leaves, capturing the essence of a leisurely afternoon meal.
About the artist
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