The meal as a motif has been present in art since antiquity. Often laden with symbols and full of allegories, like the 17th century still life – nature morte – in which compositions of platters laden with bunches of grapes, flowers and butterflies could be designed to manifest wealth and worldliness but also poverty and misery.
The many facets of a dinner table extend along lengths of table settings in Millesgården’s exhibition hall and evoke thoughts – big and small – about life.
Current research shows that mental well-being is promoted by coming together around a meal and sitting down at our leisure. The same studies also show that fewer and fewer people do so.
Hanna Hellquist is a journalist and frequently appears in television and radio. For the exhibition at Millesgården, she has invited designers, artists and creators, including Marie-Louise Ekman and Evelina Kroon to celebrate the pleasure and praise of the set table
