The Five Senses Dianne Branscombe

Here we observe a still life composition arranged on a draped table against a dark background. The arrangement is dense and layered, creating a sense of abundance and visual complexity. A stack of books forms a central vertical element, topped by a lute – an instrument associated with music and refinement. Carnations in a cut-glass vase are positioned beside the books, their vibrant red echoing in the ribbon tied around a rolled sheet of musical notation.
A cluster of grapes spills from a container onto the tablecloth, mingling with a wedge of cheese and a single orange. The placement of these foodstuffs suggests both indulgence and potential decay – a common theme in vanitas paintings. The light source appears to originate from the upper left, illuminating the objects with a soft glow that highlights their textures: the smooth skin of the orange, the rough surface of the cheese, the polished wood of the lute, and the delicate petals of the carnations.
The subtexts within this arrangement are rich and multifaceted. The presence of books signifies knowledge and learning, while the lute represents artistic expression and harmony. The musical score suggests a connection between these intellectual pursuits and sensory experience. The inclusion of perishable food items introduces an element of transience, reminding the viewer of the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures and the inevitability of mortality.
The carnations, traditionally associated with beauty and love, are juxtaposed against this backdrop of decay, creating a poignant contrast. Their vibrant color draws attention to their fragility, emphasizing the ephemeral quality of beauty itself. The overall effect is one of carefully orchestrated symbolism, inviting contemplation on the relationship between the senses, knowledge, art, and the passage of time. The composition seems designed to evoke a sense of melancholy reflection rather than overt celebration.