Tafelschikking en maaltijd tijdens diner te Falmouth 1778

Jan Brandes created this pen and ink drawing entitled 'Tafelschikking en maaltijd tijdens diner te Falmouth'—or 'Table setting and meal during dinner in Falmouth'—around the late 18th century. Brandes was a Dutch artist who traveled extensively, documenting his journeys with detailed drawings and writings. This work offers a glimpse into the culinary practices and social customs of the time, hinting at the global dynamics that shaped European society. It makes you wonder who was invited to this dinner in Falmouth? What kind of conversations were held around this table? The detailed depiction of the table setting, including various dishes and serving ware, invites us to reflect on the relationship between food, identity, and cultural exchange. The meal is clearly more than sustenance. It is an opportunity to display one's wealth and status. Brandes captured not just a meal but a moment in time, revealing the complex interplay of power, taste, and representation within the context of 18th-century European society.