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After his expulsion Meléndez studied in Italy and then returned to Madrid to assist his father in decorating the royal choir books. We know little of his experiences from these years, and what led him to still life is not clear. After completing the choir books in 1759, however, Meléndez painted still life exclusively for the rest of his career. Like many still-life artists, Meléndez painted what was close at hand. Objects from his own kitchen appear repeatedly in his work, arranged to create a contrast of textures. In this image, he assembled a smooth knife handle, leathery figs, bread, a wood-grained barrel, a shiny glass bottle, and a porous cooler made from cork.
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Copyright © 2008 National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC |
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