The many faces of food--as seen through the eyes of the artist.

Artists through the ages have displayed an interest in food, not only for its nourishing value but also for its aesthetic nature. Consequently, the art world has endowed the field of nutrition with a colorful record of the artistic merits and heritage of food. In this article, the author explores some of the food lore depicted in various famous paintings. Such insights should be rewarding to anyone who enjoys pictorial art as an avocation--and especially to those whose vocation involves food. As knowledge of food and eating customs increases, so also does the appreciation for the theme of a painting, the intent of the artist, and the culture that nourished both his palate and palette.