The Kitchen of the Rôtisserie des Deux Paons (c. 1875-1881)

We are pleased to present on our website "The Kitchen of the Rôtisserie des Deux Paons," an exceptional painting by the French artist Adolphe Monticelli, dating from around 1875 to 1881. This vibrant scene is teeming with activity and character, set in the bustling interior of a 19th-century kitchen.At its center, an open hearth casts a warm, inviting glow, illuminating the faces of two chefs who stand over a large table, likely preparing a meal. Their animated postures and the dynamic brush strokes capture a moment of intense culinary preparation. To the left, two young apprentices observe eagerly, learning the craft from their seasoned mentors. A dog, perhaps a resident of the kitchen, keenly watches the activities, adding a touch of domestic warmth.The painting is alive with Monticelli's characteristic thick, impasto technique, which adds texture and depth to the canvas. The rich, earthy colors, highlighted with dashes of bright tones, create a sense of vitality and coziness. On the right side, various kitchen implements and hanging copper pots can be seen, further drawing the viewer into the hearty life within this kitchen.Monticelli's work, with its opulent color palette and expressive technique, predates and indeed, is said to have influenced the later works of Vincent van Gogh.