A slice of bread with chocolate sprinkles

by Larissa Beentjes

A slice of bread with a generous layer of chocolate sprinkles lies on a plate, with a knife beside it. The individually painted sprinkles lend the work a lively rhythm. The yellow butter beneath the chocolate, the blue handle and the pale rim of the plate stand out against the green and blue-grey background.

This sandwich forms part of my ‘Hollandse Eats’ series. In this series, I transform recognisable, everyday food into a work of art in its own right. A sandwich with chocolate sprinkles may seem a modest subject, but if you look closely, you’ll see a collection of shapes, colours and subtle variations.

For many people, chocolate sprinkles are synonymous with the Netherlands. They might bring back memories of breakfasts from days gone by, a lunch at home or a packet packed in a suitcase for a trip abroad. My mum always calls them ‘korreltjes’, but if you look closely, they’re actually little sticks.

For someone feeling homesick, such'a simple image can mean a great deal. For a chocolate lover, it is above all a very recognisable favourite.

I work with acrylic paint, dark outlines and visible brushstrokes. This ensures the sandwich remains clearly depicted. As wall art, this still life adds colour to a kitchen or dining room, with a subject that easily sparks a conversation.