Teniers was descended from an Antwerp family of artists. He painted this kitchen interior on copper; a smooth base on which you can paint in great detail. The daydreaming woman peeling apples is Teniers’ wife Anna Brueghel. Their son David is holding the plate of peeled apples.
On the table, there is a remarkable swan pie with all sorts of symbols of love: a garland of red and white roses and a shield with a burning heart and two clasped hands. Teniers may have intended this painting as a tribute to Anna.
