Recreating the Meals and Dishes Seen in Famous Artworks: A Feast Through Time and Canvas

Have you ever looked at a painting and felt your stomach rumble?

From sumptuous still lifes to humble peasant meals, art has long offered a window into the culinary past. 

Recreating dishes from famous artworks isn't just a creative kitchen challenge, it’s a delicious way to explore history, culture and the lives of people who came before us.

Whether you're an art lover, a foodie, or simply enjoy trying something new, here’s how to bring the meals from masterpieces to your modern-day table.

Feasting on the Past: Why Art and Food Are So Closely Linked

Throughout history, artists have used food as a powerful symbol—representing abundance, mortality, celebration, class, and even faith. Still life paintings in particular captured the rich textures and colours of fruit, meats, and breads, often with incredible realism.

The foods depicted weren’t always just symbolic; many were accurate portrayals of what people really ate at the time. This makes them an incredible resource for historical food enthusiasts and experimental chefs alike.

Famous Art-Inspired Meals You Can Recreate

"Still Life with Cheese" – Floris van Dyck (1615)

Dutch Golden Age paintings are a treasure trove of food detail. In this work, you’ll find wheels of cheese, crusty bread, nuts and figs—an ideal inspiration for a rustic Dutch-style cheeseboard.

Recreate it with:

Aged Gouda, Edam and Leyden

Sourdough or rye bread

Fresh figs, walnuts, and a drizzle of local honey

A glass of chilled white wine or ale

"The Wedding Feast at Cana" – Paolo Veronese (1563)

This enormous painting captures a lavish banquet complete with roast meats, fruit, and wine. While recreating the entire feast might be ambitious, a Venetian-inspired dish like roast duck with cherry sauce or risotto with saffron and shellfish would evoke the spirit.

Pair with: A bold Italian red wine and fresh fruit platters.

"The Potato Eaters" – Vincent van Gogh (1885)

This sombre and powerful piece shows a family sharing a simple meal of potatoes and coffee. A nod to humble Dutch peasant fare, this is a great opportunity to experiment with traditional rural recipes.

Try making:

Dutch Stamppot (mashed potatoes with kale or endive)

Pan-fried potatoes with onions and smoked sausage

Brewed chicory coffee for an authentic touch

"Campbell’s Soup Cans" – Andy Warhol (1962)

Pop art meets convenience food. Recreate this iconic image by hosting a retro American diner-style lunch: think tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, and soda floats.

Add flair by: Serving in vintage bowls and using Warhol-inspired colour schemes for your table setting.

"Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose" – Francisco de Zurbarán (1633)

This Spanish still life is both stark and elegant, showcasing citrus fruits and water. It's a great prompt for a zesty Andalusian meal.

Cook up:

Orange and fennel salad

Lemon and garlic roast chicken

Serve with rosewater and citrus-infused desserts like Tarta de Santiago

Tips for Recreating Art-Inspired Meals at Home

Research the period and culture: Use the painting as a launchpad to dive deeper into traditional recipes from that era or region.

Look closely at the details: Note the foods, tableware, and setting, recreate the atmosphere as well as the dish.

Modernise with care: Some historical recipes might not appeal to modern palates. Don’t be afraid to adapt them slightly, keeping the spirit intact.

Make it an event: Invite friends over for an "Art Night Dinner" where each course is inspired by a different painting.

Combine with learning: Share a brief story about the painting and the dish’s history as you serve it.

Share Your Creations

Snap your art-inspired dish and post it on social media—tag your photo with #EdibleArt or #FromCanvasToKitchen to join a growing movement of culinary creatives blending food and fine art.