Banquet in Silence (Marsden Hartley)

"Banquet in Silence" is a painting by American modernist artist Marsden Hartley, created circa 1942-43. The work, often interpreted as a meditation on loss and the passage of time, features a still life arrangement. It deviates from Hartley's earlier, more overtly symbolic works, presenting a seemingly simple scene imbued with a profound emotional weight.

The "banquet" depicted is far from celebratory. Instead, it typically portrays objects arranged on a table, often including symbolic elements such as candles, flowers (sometimes withered or dying), and fruits. These elements, rendered in a muted color palette, contribute to a sense of melancholy and introspection. The “silence” referenced in the title underscores the stillness and somber mood evoked by the composition.

While Hartley produced various works throughout his career, "Banquet in Silence" is significant as it reflects a shift towards a more personal and elegiac style, particularly in his later years. The painting is considered a poignant expression of his reflections on life, death, and memory, common themes explored in much of his mature work, often influenced by personal tragedies and a deep connection to his native Maine. The work is part of a body of still life paintings produced by Hartley at the end of his life, each imbued with a powerful sense of quiet contemplation.