Artwork
Choosing the Dinner
Choosing the Dinner is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Alexander Louis Leloir. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Alexandre-Louis Leloir, a French artist recognized for his genre and history paintings, completed "Choosing the Dinner" in 1872. This oil painting depicts a rustic scene featuring two figures amidst various birds. The artwork is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a facet of late 19th-century French art.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays two men within a simple, rural environment, possibly a barn or courtyard, marked by a wooden structure in the background. One man sits on the ground, while the other stands, holding a bird. They are surrounded by various fowl, suggesting a moment of selection or preparation related to a meal, capturing an everyday domestic activity.
Technique & Style
Leloir employed oil paint to create this composition, utilizing chiaroscuro to establish depth and draw attention to the central figures. The artist's choice of a muted color palette reinforces the rustic simplicity of the depicted scene. Although characterized by some as part of the Impressionist movement, the work's emphasis on strong contrasts and subdued tones presents a distinct approach.
History & Provenance
Created by Alexandre-Louis Leloir, a French painter recognized for his contributions to genre and history painting, "Choosing the Dinner" reflects his artistic output from the late 19th century. The artwork has since entered the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is preserved for public viewing and study.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Alexandre-Louis Leloir (14 March 1843 – 28 January 1884) was a French painter specializing in genre and history paintings.
