| The Pantry A form of painting in which the objects of the painting are none other than pantry items set on a simple slab and often depicted in pantries or taverns is called still life. These paintings tend to be small scenes or arrangements of objects—in this case pantry items. These sometimes brass and ceramic objects stem from table use and are cause for speculation as to why. Let us first think on these objects as a celebration and acknowledgment of the home. They are slightly colorful being white or pink or metal. They could be sitting on a wooden kitchen shelf or sitting on the wooden kitchen table. It must also be understood that these items are presented with much light and shadow. For example in one particular still life painting four objects of serving are presented with nothing but shadow in the mid ground and background. Two of the pieces are sitting on plates and two are not. All of the objects are clearly presented, but there is a hint more shading surrounding the metal one as opposed to the ceramic ones. Also, it is just the front of the shelf that is visible. Two of the ceramic carafes are painted white and one pink. One of the white ones is sitting on a plate. I conjectured that the different serving carafes were for different purposes. The pink one may be for a certain time of day or family member and the white ones for a different mood or family member as well. They may also be designed for different liquids. But in all these serving carafes remind one of meal times and their placement on the kitchen table. Since they are placed in a line they may in fact share equal duties and simply offer variety. The different colors may also offer variety. These examples of still lifes may be due to the prevalence of domestic duties and the domestic side of life. They may be an example of a household that is indeed domesticated or made to be reserved and cautious. The stark shadowing of the background may be to indicate experiences that are not all that complex. They may simply be taken off the shelf, used, and then replaced to the shelf. All in all this example of still life may lend more towards the domestic staff than anyone else as it is the staff or maid or housewife who uses and retrieves these items. It is also these people who contribute to the life experience of said objects, thus providing different amounts of light and color.
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