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Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels

Self-Portrait 1-12-24 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels Still life, not stillborn, With a woman’s face In dusky background hues, Pure clarity clothed in white, Gazing on gastronomic abundance. Artist of the banquet One step behind – The woman’s place of her time - Guardian of the sweet rewards Served like bridal wine, Topping the earthen vessel Of embryonic fermentation. In a cradle of fine delft Consummated almonds, Mellow figs Ripe fruit Conceived out of ravenous rapture Confinement released in harvest’s fare In signatures of arms crossed - Daily bread – gifts of finest wheat – Served with golden curls, Crushed seeds of grain Birthing beauty’s fullness. Above this feast of still life A woman smiles Her signature waiting to be discovered – Waiting for the invitation to emerge From the shadow!

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Andrea Dietrich

Date: 1/20/2024 8:07:00 AM

I was expecting only description of the wonderful foods. Maybe because I am on my phone I do not see the woman others are seeing here. I will have to look here again when I am at my PC. This is lovely writing as always, Sam.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 1/20/2024 10:07:00 AM

Andrea, thank you so much, my friend. This painting enchanted me especially knowing that a woman, in the 16th century, painted it. And I loved the hidden self-portrait and signature in the painting. Let me know when you find Clara's self portrait! I think you are right about it being more visible on your PC! Sending you blessings!

Sara Kendrick

Date: 1/17/2024 12:26:00 PM

Good one describing the picture. Way to go. If for a contest, it reads like a good contender to me. Your visits to my page are delightful. Sara K

Sam Kauffman
Date: 1/20/2024 10:01:00 AM

Hi Sara! Thank you so much for your encouraging feedback! I so appreciate it. So much fun to read your lovely poems. Hope you are well. Sending continued blessings and prayers!

Silent One

Date: 1/13/2024 6:22:00 AM

Your poem is a captivating exploration of a still life, vividly painted with delicate strokes of language and imagery. The choice of 'still life, not stillborn' sets the tone, immediately suggesting that this tableau is not static but alive with meaning. The woman's face emerges in the dusky background hues, adding a layer of mystery and depth to the scene.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 1/14/2024 10:10:00 AM

Hi SO! Thank you so much! I am deeply touched, and honored, by your insights into this poem! It is gratifying to know that this poem brought you into the mystery of this carefully crafted painting that illustrates not only the feast with its metaphors but Clara's commentary on women, and their roles, in the 1600's. She was so clever! And, I had fun delving into this painting and its subtle nuances! So grateful to you! Sending blessings and my gratitude!

Gary Radice

Date: 1/13/2024 12:27:00 AM

I love this Sam. And I love the painting. As your first and last stanzas (and 'self portrait' title) allude to, Clara Peeters mini portrait is hidden in the painting as is her signature. I had to look carefully for both but found them. It's been too long since I read a Sam Kauffman poem. I'm so glad I read this. :) Cheers - Gary

Sam Kauffman
Date: 1/14/2024 9:56:00 AM

Hi Gary! Thank you so much for your delightful feedback!!! Your feedback is always so thought full! Always wonderful to hear from you! I am so glad you had the chance to read this poem. I had fun finding just the right painting to go with the theme of "self portrait" and loved the way this woman of the 1600's playfully, and thoughtfully, put herself in the picture becoming a woman of mystery! Have seen your poems on several winners lists! Congratulations! Just now trying to catch up after the holidays! Hope you are having a good new year! Cheers and blessings for 2024!

Ink Empress

Date: 1/12/2024 11:13:00 PM

What a creative ekphrasis, i can almost see what you’ve described here dear sam, its always so good to see you write and post here: you always write such artistic metaphors and descriptive poems that leaves readers intrigued and in awe. I love the title too. And i love how you’ve especially written “ Artist of the banquet One step behind – The woman’s place of her time - Guardian of the sweet rewards“ so poetically divine and soulful how you’ve written that in such eloquence: pleasure reading

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 1/12/2024 4:42:00 PM

lovely imagery throughout. I especially liked these words: Artist of the banquet One step behind – The woman’s place of her time - I also liked the strength in the last verse...'waiting for the invitation to emerge from the shadows." Nicely done. Have a pleasant evening, Sara

Sam Kauffman
Date: 1/13/2024 4:50:00 PM

Hi Sara! I am so grateful for your feedback! Clara's self portrait placement, painted by a women in the 1600's, is so representative of a woman's place at that time! She didn't put herself upfront but rather in the background - giving artistic birth in confinement. And while the opulence of the feast is so striking, the placement of her self portrait was stunning to me as a 21st century woman. I am so glad that phrase resonated with you!! Have a wonderful weekend! Blessings from one woman to another!

Tom Woody

Date: 1/12/2024 3:39:00 PM

Invitation extended. I'm all for ravenous raptures. Awesome poem Sam

Sam Kauffman
Date: 1/13/2024 4:43:00 PM

Hi Tom! Thank you so much! I do love ekphrasis but don't write enough of them! Too many paintings that I love! Hard to decide which one to highlight in a poem. However, that being said, this contest theme of "self portrait" really captured my imagination and I loved discovering this painting, by a woman, who hide herself in the painting. So clever! This was fun! On to the next adventure! Blessings!