Keukenstuk 1605 - 1678

Paul de Vos, an artist active in the 17th century, rendered this drawing, "Keukenstuk," using pen and brown ink. De Vos was known for his animal paintings and hunting scenes, reflective of the aristocratic tastes of his time. This sketch, translated as "Kitchen Piece," offers a glimpse into the culinary abundance and social hierarchies of the Baroque era. The detailed depiction of game and produce speaks to the period's fascination with opulence. Consider how the arrangement of elements might reflect the prevailing social order. The tension between the raw, natural ingredients and the refined setting implies a complex relationship between nature and culture, labor and consumption. How might these scenes reinforce or challenge notions of status and power? As you consider "Keukenstuk," think about the role of food, not just as sustenance, but as a marker of identity and a reflection of society's values.