“Neapolitan Meringue,” created by Wayne Thiebaud in 1999, is an exquisite example of the Pop Art movement. This artwork belongs to the still life genre, a significant segment of Thiebaud’s oeuvre, where he masterfully portrays everyday objects with vibrant colors and distinct textures.
The artwork presents a realistic and visually appealing depiction of a meringue pie, characterized by its pastel shades and meticulous details. The pie features layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry-colored filling, a nod to the classic Neapolitan flavor. The meringue topping is rendered with a luscious, cloud-like appearance, emphasizing its delicate texture. The shadow cast by the pie adds depth and dimensionality to the composition, enhancing the artwork’s realism. Thiebaud’s use of light and shadow effectively captures the pie’s form, making it almost palpable to the viewer.