Food is Prepared. Eckersberg’s Hostess in Paris 1812

This watercolor painting titled "Food is Prepared" was made by Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg, a Danish artist, in Paris, sometime in the early 19th century. Eckersberg has rendered a domestic scene in great detail, paying close attention to the textures of everyday materials. We see a kneeling woman, coaxing a fire to life with a bellows. This device, typically made with wood and leather, was a common tool, a mundane feature of 19th century kitchens. The artist depicts the scene with cool tones and subdued light, emphasizing the contrast between the woman's labor and the simple implements of her trade. The amount of work involved in keeping a household running is implicit here. Eckersberg elevates this labor to a subject worthy of artistic attention. In doing so, he blurs the boundaries between the fine arts and the everyday realities of work and sustenance.