Here Are The World’s Most Famous And Expensive Food Paintings

Earlier this week, we were dumfounded by the news that a photo of a potato by a celebrated artist sold for a million euros. Of course, we realise that great art is typically expensive. To illustrate that, we’ve put together a list of the world’s most expensive food paintings, so you can brush up on your food history (pun intended) and celebrate your love for art along with your love for food.

Eucharistic Still Life

Artist: Salvador Dali

Painted in Dali’s celebrated Surrealistic style, this painting depicts fish and bread; two important foods in the Christian faith, as Jesus was able to feed 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish.

Still Life with Ham, Lobster and Fruit

Artist: Jan Davidsz

Davidsz was known for his still lifes; one of his most poignant pieces is his depiction of this decadent feast using oil paints.

Still Life with Milk Jug And Fruit

Artist: Paul Cezanne

This traditional breakfast scene was painted by Post-impressionist painter, Paul Cezanne. Cézanne focused on giving the fruits and other objects form by contrasting different shades of colour.

Still Life with Quince Cabbage Melon and Cucumber

Artist: Juan Sanchez de Cotan

Yet another still life, this one becomes unique in its stark simpleness, a quality that de Cotan consciously tried to bring out.

Candy Apples

Artist: Wayne Thiebaud

Thiebaud grew up during the Great Depression, and most of his paintings chronicle happy childhood memories tinged with nostalgia. The Candy Apples portrait is an example of this.

Skinned Rabbit

Artist: Antonio Lopez Garcia

This painting is not for the faint hearted; with simple clean lines and varying shades of pink and peach, it depicts a hunk of rabbit meat that is ready to cook.

Un Coin de Table

Artist: Paul Cezanne

This is one of Cezanne’s most popular works, depicting a variety of fruits that seem to have been positioned as through they’re just about to fall out of the plate.

Basket of Bread or Basket of Bread – Rather Death than Shame

Artist: Salvador Dali

“What man cannot do, bread can,” said Dali about this painting, which was painted during the Spanish Civil War and World War Two, perhaps depicting the shortage of basic food provisions during the time.