Still Life with Crayfish 1882

Gustave Caillebotte’s "Still Life with Crayfish," currently in a private collection, presents a tabletop laden with the bounty of a meal. The crayfish, prominently displayed, is a symbol rich in associations. Historically, crayfish, like lobsters, were once considered food for the poor, before evolving into delicacies— a rise that mirrors the shifting tides of fortune and social status. This transformation reminds me of the ouroboros, the snake eating its tail, a symbol of cyclical renewal and the eternal return. Consider how crustaceans appear in art across different eras, from humble fare in Dutch Golden Age paintings to elaborate displays in modern gastronomy. This humble creature—evokes primal associations with feasting, abundance, and perhaps even gluttony. Such displays of food tap into our deepest, most instinctive desires, reflecting the eternal dance between appetite and restraint.