The Chrysler Museum’s “Farm to Table: Art, Food, and Identity in the Age of Impressionism” focuses on France’s culinary and artistic history through 50 works of art, including 12 pieces previously showcased at the Museum.
The exhibition wrestles “with ideas of what is France and how it’s represented by food,” said Mark Castros, curator of the “Farm-to-Table” Exhibit
The exhibit displays food, cuisine, and dining culture through 1800s French art.
Paintings show farmers in vegetable fields; couples dining together at intimately lit tables set with wine and bread; while others show crowds of people dining al fresco at tables set with white tablecloths.
“For those of us working on the exhibition these last few weeks, you leave every day feeling hungry because you’re surrounded by beautiful images of cake, fresh meat, and fish,” Castros said. “People will leave the exhibit hungry.”
The exhibit is divided into three sections: the entrance features art focused on food growth and harvesting, the middle section centers on market scenes, and the final section explores the consumption of food through different concepts.
Castros said socioeconomic differences are highlighted throughout the some of the pieces, as are themes about colonialism and differences in how men and women are treated.
“For me … a lot of these old French topics are still really relevant to us — the kinds of food we eat, how we eat, and how we share meals all say something about our culture,” he said.
The exhibit includes famous paintings such as Monet's “Haystack” and Camille Pissarro’s “The Gardener.”
The exhibition also ties in to programs where attendees can participate in activities like drawing, a book club and informal discussions about the show.
“Both food and art were foundational elements of 19th-century French culture, shaping and reflecting the complexities of national identity. This exhibition offers a new opportunity to look at their intersection during the age of Impressionism, a tumultuous period of social and political change,” says Andrew Eschelbacker, former Director of Curatorial Affairs at the American Federation of Arts, a supporting partner of the exhibit.
“Farm to Table: Art, Food, and Identity in the Age of Impressionism” is on display at the Chrysler Museum until Jan. 5, 2025.
