The Morning Meal 1880

Émile Munier made this painting in the late 19th century with oil paint on canvas. The artwork demonstrates the artist's mastery of realism, with the textures of the girl’s dress, the cat’s fur, and the cool metal of the spoon all rendered with great skill. This wasn’t just a trick of the hand, though. Munier was part of an academic tradition, where artists would hone their skills through rigorous training and close study of the masters. The painting process itself, involving layers of glazes to achieve depth and luminosity, was laborious and time-consuming. In many ways, this mode of production aligns with the values of hard work and craftsmanship that were highly esteemed in the 19th century. But there’s also a social dimension to consider. "The Morning Meal" represents a comfortable, middle-class existence, a world far removed from the harsh realities of industrial labor. Ultimately, by understanding the materials, techniques, and social context of this work, we can see how it reflects the values and aspirations of its time.