Choosing the Dinner 1872

Alexandre-Louis Leloir painted "Choosing the Dinner" using oil on panel. The scene depicts a transaction between a butcher and a customer, highlighting the materials involved in preparing a meal. Leloir's choice of oil paint allows for a rich depiction of textures, from the feathers of the fowl to the rough garments of the figures. The painting is rendered with visible brushstrokes that suggest the labor of creation. The composition itself speaks to the social context of food production, class, and consumption. The butcher, positioned as the provider, offers his wares to a customer who is choosing what to buy. The arrangement of the scene emphasizes the power dynamics inherent in this exchange. Notice the tools of the butcher’s trade, from the sharpening stone to the knives, which are silent reminders of the work involved in bringing food to the table. By focusing on the details of everyday life, Leloir challenges traditional notions of high art, inviting us to consider the cultural and social significance of ordinary objects and activities.