The artwork “Table with Orange, Olives and Pie” by Clara Peeters is a still life painting from 1611. Created using oil on panel, the painting is a fine example of the Baroque movement, and it is currently housed at the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. Clara Peeters, recognized as one of the few female Flemish artists of her time, specialized in still life compositions and was known for her meticulous attention to detail and texture.
The painting presents a richly decorated table with various objects and food items arranged in a manner that would appeal to the viewer’s senses and also show the affluence of the time. At the center is a large pie with a detailed pastry design on the crust. To its left, a golden goblet stands next to a richly-decorated standing cup and covered container presumed to hold sugar. A glass of wine is positioned elegantly between these vessels. The table also holds a silver plate with a bountiful portion of olives, a citrus fruit that is possibly an orange, and sliced bread or rolls, all adding to the opulence of the display. A pewter jug with a graceful shape stands to the right, beside a plate of cooked fowl, which further adds to the luxurious banquet depicted.
The overall composition with its careful placement of each item and the intricate detail offers insight into the lifestyles and food culture of the affluent during the early 17th century. Noteworthy is Peeters’ ability to reflect textures and materials such as metal, glass, and the flakiness of pastry, which is indicative of her skill in rendering different surfaces. The painting also captures the light reflecting off the different surfaces, a characteristic technique of Baroque artistry, lending a sense of realism and depth to the composition.
