The Leftovers of a Lunch, also called the Silver Goblet 

Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin created "The Leftovers of a Lunch, also called the Silver Goblet" with oil paints, during a time when France was transforming through industrial advancements. The muted tones and the composition give a glimpse into the more private aspects of daily life, hinting at a culture of material consumption. Look closely, and you’ll see how Chardin expertly captures the textures: the matte surface of the pewter plate, the glint of the silver goblet, and the crusty bread. The rough wooden table and the simple knife suggest a narrative beyond mere objects; they speak to a social context marked by labor and class. Chardin's approach to painting, focusing on the sensory qualities of everyday objects, elevates the mundane to a level of sophistication we often reserve for more traditionally valued subjects. By paying close attention to the materials, making, and context, we can discover the cultural and social values embedded within this intimate still life.