TRACKING THE HISTORY OF RESTAURANTS THROUGH THE ART OF PAINTING

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to track the evolution of restaurants through history and art. While doing this, the paper first provides historical information about traditional eating places in Ancient and Medieval times before the evolution of modern restaurants. Humble dining places in history such as inns, taverns, coffee houses are examined in detail with their representations in art. Then the study draws on the evolution of Parisian restaurants. Since the origin of the modern-day restaurants is mostly cited as Paris, this paper emphasizes the depictions of Parisian restaurants in art. After this part, the study comes up with possible explanations of the reasons why restaurants evolved mainly in Paris. The following part focuses on the characteristics of new restaurants which differentiated them from early eating establishments. In every part paintings best reflecting the restaurants of that era are used in order to support the theoretical framework. Additionally one of the consequences of today’s modern restaurant which is the intersection of public and private spheres of individuals is analyzed through Van Gogh’s depictions of Parisian restaurants and Edward Hopper’s diner representations.