[Sca-cooks] RE:Turkey (Was Food Myths)

[Diamond Randall]

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>> I do realize that just because these things appear in period works of art
it
>> doesn't mean they ate them.  But it just might give one, well...food for
>> thought!

I disagreee with the above statement (with reservations).  In many period
still lifes, this
may be valid, however, SOME of the paintings we have discussed are themed,
such as
the men composed of vegetables.  Virtually all of the items are themed as
edibles.
Perhaps even the flowers around the figures are all edibles; that needs some
investigation.
BUT the figures themselves have a theme of edible produce.  We do not see
plants
used that are poisonous or inedible; when I see one it will be the first (in
the "Summer" or
"Autumn" figures). Admittedly, inedible PARTS of edible plans are depicted,
but who
would recognize wheat without seeing the intact plant?  No, these are depicted
exactly as
they are havested, not processed for consumption.  There is more reason to
assume that
the depicted foods WERE eaten than the converse in these instances.
Otherwise, the
artist was not true to his themed purpose.  Likewise, paintings of dead
turkeys in a
still life with fruits and nuts and other game we KNOW were eaten are valid
indicters
that they were consumed.  Other than in the works of Heironymus Borsh, you
don't
see dead vermin or animals typically not eaten by nobles (wild cats and dogs
for example)
depicted in this way.  I think this is a strong indication FOR depicted
animals being eaten
commonly.  It is illogical to think otherwise.  Likewise, we should consider
the symbolism
of period artists as well.  Peter Bruegel the Elder painted, in 1557, an
unmistakeable image
of a turkey as a symbol of Envy, just as he used a Peacock as a symbol of
Pride.  If
turkeys were introduced to Europe around 1526, HOW can they be so well known
as
as to be recognized as symbolic of Envy in just under 30 years? Furthermore,
why would
they be symbolic of Envy?  I think it is because they are so much better
tasting than the
oily, dry, gamey and otherwise poor flavours of goose, swan, peacock and other
birds
regularly consumed at noble tables.  Only the wealthy could afford to serve
them, thus
they become a symbol of envy very quickly.
Akim

--- Diamond Randall
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