Close Reading

For my close reading, I have chosen to do “An Elderly Couple Taking Refreshment at a Table” by Frans Van Mieris II. In this painting we see, as the title says, two older people sitting at a table, eating either breakfast or lunch judging by the fact it is light outside. As far as food, there are carrots, garlic, and a jug of something—probably water which the woman is drinking. The man is slicing what looks like bread. The couple clearly stands out from the almost entirely black background behind them. Both are painted with prominent colors, especially the woman with her red sleeves. This, paired with the rounded frame we are looking through, puts the focus heavily on them, but mostly the woman. She is in the center of the painting and even the man is looking at her. Our attention is clearly to be aimed at her. While the background is dark, the subjects are well lit and colored by the light pouring in through the window. They have water, bread, and carrots, and the potted plant is alive, which could symbolize that the mood of this painting is not meant to be depressing. The couple seems to be simply enjoying a meal without much hint of worry.