Artwork

På et køkkenbord ses to stykker laks, en plukket and, en skål og flere ting

På et køkkenbord ses to stykker laks, en plukket and, en skål og flere ting is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The image, dated to around 1750, depicts a domestic kitchen surface arranged with assorted food items and utensils.

About this work

Overview

Central to the composition are two portions of cooked salmon, a sliced loaf of bread, a bowl of soup accompanied by a ladle, and a pot positioned on a stove.

The image, dated to around 1750, depicts a domestic kitchen surface arranged with assorted food items and utensils. Central to the composition are two portions of cooked salmon, a sliced loaf of bread, a bowl of soup accompanied by a ladle, and a pot positioned on a stove. Additional elements include a pitcher and small dishes containing butter or jam, all illuminated from one side, creating a contrast of light and shadow.

Subject & Meaning

The arrangement presents a moment of everyday sustenance, suggesting a meal prepared for immediate consumption. The presence of freshly cooked fish and warm bread conveys a sense of hospitality and the routine of household nourishment, while the inclusion of kitchen tools underscores the functional environment of a 18th‑century domestic setting.

Technique & Style

The photograph employs chiaroscuro, using a single light source to generate pronounced highlights and deep shadows across the tabletop. This treatment emphasizes texture—the glistening surface of the fish, the crumbly crust of the bread, and the reflective glaze of the bowl—while also imparting a three‑dimensional quality to the otherwise flat arrangement.

History & Provenance

Created by the artist identified as 37545_person circa 1750, the work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The museum acquired the piece as part of its holdings documenting everyday life and material culture, preserving it as an example of historical culinary presentation.