Kitchen Scene by Peter Wtewael, 1620 (The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Rogers Fund, 1906)
From an apple held by the infant Jesus to a fowl indelicately handled by a lusty kitchen maid, food and drink appear in myriad contexts over four centuries of European painting. In both devotional and secular images, these items allowed the artist to display virtuosic skills of observation and description of color, shape, and texture. Moreover, they frequently carried symbolic meanings or referenced the painting’s themes.
In the Renaissance, feasting transcended mere sustenance, serving as a significant form of communication and expression. Through grand banquets and elaborate feasts, the powerful displayed their status, wealth, and cultural sophistication. These events were meticulously orchestrated, showcasing the finest foods, lavish decorations, and an array of entertainment from music and dancing to dramatic performances.
Art historian Elaine Ruffolo delves into images of Renaissance feasts to explore their menus, ingredients, preparation, dining practices, and table settings, as well as the intricate depiction of food in Renaissance art.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*
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*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.
