The Lunch The Lunch (1945/1971) by Antonio BerniColección AMALITA
This painting made by Antonio Berni between 1945 and 1971 has two titles: Sunday at the Farmhouse or The Lunch. Although the composition mirrors that of the Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci, with its characteristic white tablecloth, the painting represents the arrival of European immigrants in Argentina in the late 19th century.
In the center of the picture, seated at the table and about to eat lunch, is a character with a long white beard passing bread out to the other guests in attendance: the artist's grandfather who emigrated to Argentina from Italy.
The eye is drawn to the center of the canvas, to a plate piled high with meat about to be served to the diners.
The farm and gauchos cooking an animal on the spit are visible in the background.
Children are playing with cats and dogs and feeding them from the table.
With this oil on burlap that depicts the traditional Argentine Sunday family asado, Berni also pays homage to the different aspects (artistic, social and culinary) of his Italian heritage.
