Still Life with a Rib of Beef 1739

Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin’s Still Life with a Rib of Beef was painted in France, probably in 1739. It depicts a simple kitchen scene with a cut of beef, some cookware, and vegetables arranged on a stone shelf. Chardin's choice of subject matter was radical at a time when the French Academy, which dominated the art world, valued history painting above all other genres. The Academy saw its role as one of upholding and promoting the values of the monarchy. By focusing on the everyday lives of ordinary people, Chardin was challenging the Academy’s hierarchy of subject matter and, by extension, its social and political values. The rib of beef takes center stage in the piece, signifying the importance of food and nourishment in daily life. To truly understand Chardin's work, it’s useful to look at the archives of the Academy and other historical records. These resources allow us to see how this image challenges the values of his time, reflecting the tastes and values of an emerging middle class.