The Afternoon Meal (La Merienda)

The Afternoon Meal (La Merienda) by Luis Meléndez

The Afternoon Meal (La Merienda), painted in 1772 by Luis Meléndez, is a notable example of Spanish still life from the 18th century. Executed in oil on canvas, this work exemplifies Meléndez's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to render textures with remarkable realism. The painting reflects the artist's mastery in depicting everyday objects, capturing the essence of Spanish culinary culture of the time. Meléndez, born in Naples in 1716, was a prominent figure in the Spanish still life genre, although he struggled with financial difficulties throughout his career. Despite these challenges, his works are celebrated for their technical precision and are considered significant contributions to the tradition of European still life painting. Today, Meléndez's paintings are appreciated for their historical insight into 18th-century Spanish life and their influence on subsequent generations of still life artists.

"The Afternoon Meal (La Merienda)" by Luis Meléndez, created in 1772, is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the Spanish still life tradition with its meticulous attention to detail and realistic depiction of everyday objects. The artwork is characterized by its rich textures and vibrant colors, showcasing a variety of food items arranged on a table, and is housed in the Prado Museum in Madrid.