Attributed to Frans Snyders, Flemish (active Antwerp), 1579-1657 – Still Life with a Lobster Philadelphia Museum of Art

The composition presents a lavish display of food arranged on a dark, undefined surface. A central focus is drawn to a vibrant red lobster positioned prominently on a decorative plate, its form rendered with meticulous detail that emphasizes the texture and sheen of its shell. To the left, a gilded chalice stands tall, reflecting light and adding an element of opulence to the scene.
A roasted fowl, presented in an ornate silver serving dish, occupies the middle ground, suggesting abundance and celebratory feasting. Scattered around it are various delicacies: piles of fresh oysters, glistening fish nestled amongst shells, and a selection of preserved fruits and sweets contained within elaborate glass jars. The arrangement is deliberately dense, creating a sense of overflowing plenty.
The artist’s handling of light contributes significantly to the paintings impact. Strong illumination highlights specific elements – the lobster’s carapace, the fowl’s golden-brown skin, the reflective surfaces of the silver and glass – while leaving other areas in shadow. This contrast enhances the tactile quality of the objects and directs the viewer’s eye across the composition.
Beyond a simple depiction of food, the painting conveys messages related to wealth, status, and indulgence. The inclusion of expensive ingredients like lobster and oysters, alongside elaborate tableware, signals the affluence of the patron or the intended audience. The sheer quantity of food suggests a celebration or a display of generosity. Theres an underlying sense of transience; the perishable nature of these foods hints at the fleeting quality of earthly pleasures and the inevitability of decay, a common theme in still life paintings of this period. The careful arrangement also implies a deliberate construction of luxury, rather than a spontaneous gathering.