The Sense of Taste 1744 - 1747

"The Sense of Taste," painted between 1744 and 1747 by Philippe Mercier, depicts a group of elegantly dressed individuals enjoying a meal. The scene is set on a terrace, with a glimpse of a garden through an archway in the background. The composition focuses on the figures, emphasizing their lively conversation and gestures, while the table is laden with glasses of wine, desserts, and fruit. The presence of a Black servant further highlights the social context of the painting, which evokes the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy elite during the Rococo period.