Slovenian History Quest

Still life with fruit and sweets

Still life with fruit and sweets

The painting shows a richly laden table at the time of Baroque. It depicts blue and white wares of the Delft faience, which were characteristic of this period. It also features exotic fruits (oranges, melons, pomegranates) that were very popular at the time.

The food and atmosphere at the table during Baroque is also shown by the painting located left of the entrance to this room. It portrays people sitting at the table and indulging in delicacies. The painting is a symbolic portrayal of the sense of taste. Portrayals of the five senses – taste, smell, touch, hearing and eyesight – were very popular in the 17th century.

The two paintings show the life and habits of the period. During Baroque, changes occurred in behaviour, eating manners, personal hygiene, physical needs, relationships between the genders as well as in conversations and private correspondence.