Palate Allegory (2 of 2)
Author: Unknown
Origin: Unknown
Dating: 17th century (?)
Material: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions (cm): 50,6 x 66,6
Inv. no.: PDdep0017
The painting depicts the interior of a spacious room and, in the background, two large windows reveal a darkened sky. Both are separated by a mirror – symbolizing human vanity.
At the centre of the scene, a table holds ashen plates laden with various foods. Around the table, four elegantly attired couples are seated in comfortable clothed chairs.
The guests seated at the table have large napkins, they are eating with spoons and were likely using knives. On the right side of the table, a man reclines, with his coat slightly open and with his foot resting on a chair, revealing his knee. He has a large napkin in his left hand and most of the guests are staring at him. Near the table, on the left side, a young maid approaches with a gray jug. A frontal light directly illuminates the table, highlighting the faces, the colours – especially the whites and reds of the attire and table – and exposing the comfort of the gentleman.
At the back of the chamber, on the left, a fully open door, surmounted by a still-life painting, symbolizes solitude and serenity. Through this opening, one may see a man wielding a sword. He is marching towards a beggar, likely attempting to expel him. The indigent man has white hair and a beard, bare and wounded legs, a cane on the ground and a dog that seems to be licking his wounds. He is represented as frail and contorted, extending his right hand towards the swordsman.
Both of the scenes in the painting contradict each other and are reminiscent of the “Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus”, according to the Gospel of Luke: «there was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar, named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom. And the rich man also died, and was buried. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torment, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried, and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. And Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus likewise evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.» (Lucas 16: 19-25)
