Kitchen Still Life c. 1640

Paolo Antonio Barbieri created this still life with oil on canvas in the 17th century. During this time, the genre of still life was emerging as a distinct category, often reflecting the social and economic shifts of the era. Barbieri’s arrangement of food items invites a dialogue about class and consumption. The basket overflowing with chestnuts and the plate of what appears to be shelled nuts, could represent the bounty available to some, while also hinting at the labor required to harvest and prepare such foods. We might consider how gender roles intersect here, as women were often responsible for the domestic labor of food preparation in the 17th century. The muted tones evoke a sense of humility and invite contemplation of the everyday life of the working class, while also maintaining a degree of dignity. Barbieri’s still life captures both the simplicity and complexity of life in the 1600s, offering us a glimpse into a world shaped by both abundance and labor.