Choosing the Dinner by Alexander Louis Leloir
Alexander Louis Leloir's "Choosing the Dinner" (1872) captures a quiet moment of selection. Look closely at the standing man holding a bird, seemingly proud of his choice. This oil painting, housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts a rustic scene with two men amidst various fowl, hinting at the preparation of a meal.
The kneeling man presents another bird, while the dead pheasant and rabbit in the foreground emphasize the bounty of the hunt. The artist, Alexandre-Louis Leloir, was known for his genre and history paintings.
Notice the subtle pile of feathers near the center. This detail, often overlooked, signifies the preparation of the fowl, adding a layer of realism to the depicted domestic activity. It grounds the scene in the tangible work of everyday life.
The painting invites us to consider the stories behind ordinary actions.
Details
Transcript
He holds the bird like a prize. This is Alexander Louis Leloir's "Choosing the Dinner." A kneeling man presents the day's catch. The dead pheasant lies at their feet. Look closely at the pile of feathers. It shows the moment of selection. 1872.