Lubin Baugin – Still Life with Wafers (Le dessert de gaufrettes) Part 4 Louvre

The composition presents a still life arranged on a draped table against a dark, indeterminate background that suggests a shadowed wall or space. The arrangement is dominated by three primary elements: a stemmed glass, a plate of rolled wafers, and a bottle encased in woven straw.
Here we see the glass positioned to the left, its amber-colored contents reflecting light, creating highlights on its surface and suggesting a rich liquid – perhaps wine or liqueur. A small, dark object is partially submerged within the glass, adding an element of mystery and potentially hinting at a symbolic meaning beyond mere representation. The stem of the glass rests upon the table’s surface, its ornate detailing rendered with careful attention to light and shadow.
The plate containing the wafers occupies the central area. These rolled treats are arranged in a slightly haphazard fashion, their pale color contrasting sharply with the dark metal of the plate. Their cylindrical form introduces a sense of repetition and order within the overall composition.
To the right stands a bottle completely enveloped in a woven straw casing. The texture of the straw is meticulously depicted, showcasing the artist’s skill in rendering tactile surfaces. A cork protrudes from the neck of the bottle, secured with twine, adding another layer of detail to its presentation. The bottles shape is bulbous and irregular, lending it an organic quality that contrasts with the geometric precision of the wafers.
The table itself is covered with a teal-colored cloth, which drapes in soft folds, contributing to the overall sense of depth and volume. The subdued color palette – dominated by browns, yellows, greens, and blacks – creates a somber yet intimate atmosphere.
Subtly, the arrangement evokes themes of indulgence and transience. The presence of wine suggests pleasure and celebration, while the wafers represent a fleeting delicacy. The dark background and muted tones contribute to a sense of melancholy or contemplation, hinting at the ephemeral nature of earthly pleasures. The bottles enclosure in straw might symbolize protection or preservation, perhaps alluding to the desire to hold onto moments of enjoyment. Overall, the work conveys a quiet elegance and invites reflection on themes of pleasure, time, and mortality.