Luis Melendez at National Gallery of Art

By JULIETTE ROSSANT Treat your foodie and artistic side to a sampling of a brilliant 18th Century Spanish painter of food still lifes, Luis Melendez (1715-1780), on view at The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC (May 17-August 23, 2009), then traveling to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (September 23, 2009 -January 3, 2010), and to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (February 1- May 9, 2010). Melendez was born in Italy, but trained under his father and at an institute in Madrid. He was kicked out, along with his father, ruining his prospects for an illustrious career. But the catalogue for the show goes on to say: In 1771 Meléndez received a commission from Charles III, Prince of Asturias (later King Charles IV), and his wife, Princess Maria Luisa, to paint an extensive series of still lifes for the New Cabinet of Natural History in the Royal Palace. The commission was intended to depict "the four Seasons of the Year…with the aim of composing an amusing cabinet with every species of food produced by the Spanish climate." Many of these exquisite paintings are in the show and they will dazzle you with how they endow ordinary objects with such beauty, something photography can never clearly show. Super Chef cautions all its readers to head to the museum's Garden Café Espana to sample the Spanish menu by Jose Andres of ThinkFoodGroup. Super Chef sampled the generous buffet that was laden with Spanish white anchovies in olive oil, cured meats, Spanish cheeses, followed by Gazpacho al estilo de Algeciras, Albondigas con ciruelas (Meatballs with plums), and various cold salads, finished with a classic Flan al estilo de mi madre with fresh berries. Thus fortified, its easier viewing the paintings, which tempt the palate with ripe melons, hams, hot chocolate, and plenty of pears and apples. Luckily, the Cafe's menu should be traveling to all the hosting museums. There is a self-portrait of the young Melendez at the start of the exhibit, holding up a drawing of a nude - Self-Portrait (1746) - painted while Melendez was a student at the academy. He strikes a pose of great confidence and calmness. Find out why by looking at these marvelous paintings. A painting called Still Life with Beef, Bowl of Ham and Vegetables, and Receptacles from c. 1772, should inspire any chef to take these ingredients along with the mortar and pestle, the copper pots, and create a fine meal. Many of the vases, chocolate vessels, stirrers, and pitchers that Melendez painted are also on view. This is a insightful and stunning show that should not be missed. Previous articles: Pompeii at the National Gallery of Art Afghanistan: Silk Road Dining Forest of Fontainbleau at the National Gallery of Art Food Forever: Pieter Claesz Food in Painting: Kenneth Bendiner Technorati Tags: superchefblog, Juliette Rossant, super chef, celebrities, chefs, food, restaurants, cooking, branding, cuisine, blogging, food blogging, Luis Melendez --> back to Super Chef