Chopping onions in a wooden tub, 1646

Chopping a TON of onions and nary a tear.  The shallow wooden tub makes a marvelous cutting board with retaining sides.  George IV purchased the painting "Girl Chopping Onions" by Gerrit Dou (from the Dutch city of Leiden) which is now at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The info at the Royal Collection Trust site describes the kitchen objects as symbolic.  As a hearth cook I just view them as items every kitchen would have - a mortar and pestle to crush spices, nuts (almonds), etc; candles needed in the evening; and many kitchen scenes had bird cages (and later chicken coops).   

©2016 Patricia Bixler Reber
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