Vallotton is remembered mainly for his bold black and white woodcuts from the 1890s influenced by Japanese prints; however, he was also a prolific painter and a sculptor as well. Closely allied with the Nabis, a group of young, avant-garde Parisian artists, Vallotton included among his subjects, portraits, nudes, interior views, and still lifes. This work, painted in the last year of the artist's life, reflects the realism which prevailed in his art throughout his career. While many of his still lifes record flowers, fruit, books and decorative objects, others, such as this example, deal with culinary themes. Typically, various items are placed on a white cloth which is draped on a bare wooden surface. Here, three fish, a piece of lemon, and a glass of water allude to the preparation of a meal. Behind the arrangement, the artist has placed an earthenware jug, its partially glazed surface reflecting a bit of white and yellow from the towel and the fruit in the center of the composition.