The artwork titled “The Corner of the Table,” created by Henri Fantin-Latour in 1872, is an exemplary piece from the Realism art movement. Executed in oil on canvas, this portrait measures 160 by 225 centimeters and is currently housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
In the artwork, a group of men, all dressed formally, are arranged around a table set with an array of food, flowers, and drinkware. Their somber and introspective expressions contrast with the convivial setting. The men seem engaged in a serious discussion or contemplation, providing the composition with a sense of intellectual depth. The artist’s use of muted colors and meticulous attention to detail exemplifies the Realist approach, capturing both the physical likeness and the psychological presence of the subjects. The background features a simplistic interior with framed artwork and lush greenery, enhancing the naturalistic ambiance of the scene.
