A cat with a piece of salmon,two mackerels, mortar and pestle Jean Baptiste Siméon Chardin (1699-1779)

In the painting, a tabby cat with striking white markings on its face and chest is perched on a wooden surface, its paws resting protectively on a large piece of salmon. To its right, two mackerel hang suspended by a hook and string, their silvery scales catching the dim light. Further to the right, a brass mortar and pestle sit ready for use, alongside a simple white onion with green shoots. The background is a dark, muted tone, which further emphasizes the subjects in the foreground.
The subtext of this painting appears to be centered on the theme of temptation and desire, represented by the enticing presence of the fish. The cat, with its attentive gaze fixed on the salmon, embodies primal instinct and craving. The hanging mackerel could symbolize abundance or a less accessible bounty, while the mortar and pestle and onion suggest culinary preparation, hinting at the intended use of these ingredients. The overall composition, with its focus on food and a curious observer, plays with the viewers own senses and desires.