Artwork
Breakfast
Breakfast is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Philips Angel. It dates from 1659 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
Overview
Philips Angel’s oil painting titled *Breakfast*, executed around 1659, presents a modest domestic tableau. The work is part of the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw, where it is displayed among other 17th‑century Dutch genre pieces.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a simple morning repast: a freshly caught fish rests on a round wooden board covered with a white cloth, flanked by a green pitcher, a copper jug, crusty bread and onions. The arrangement emphasizes the ordinary, inviting contemplation of daily sustenance and the quiet dignity of humble meals.
Technique & Style
Rendered in subdued, earthy tones, Angel employs careful modeling to convey the tactile qualities of each object—the glistening skin of the fish, the rough grain of the board, the polished metal of the jug. The brushwork is restrained, focusing attention on texture and light rather than dramatic chiaroscuro.
History & Provenance
Created in the late 1650s, the painting entered the National Museum in Warsaw’s holdings during the 20th century, though exact acquisition details remain sparse. Its presence in the museum underscores the institution’s commitment to representing Dutch genre painting within its broader European collection.
Artist & collection
