Roland
Barthes The Rhetoric of the Image (1974).
Today in
class we were de constructing a still life image, Panzani which is an Italian food company. The still life image that
we were analysing was representing authenticity and the freshness of Italian
food, the colour predominantly red but also hints of white and green represent
the Italian flag, so we can also get the idea that when you buy this product
you are buying Italy. You would usually find this type of product in a classic Italian
market hence the net bag and lone produce such as the tomatoes, mushrooms and
peppers. Also a symbol of homemade food and home cooking as well, a fairly
typical product in Italy but a unique cultural product tin Britain. Within the
ne bag there is tinned food, packet food and food in no type of packaging, the packaging encourages people to cook the unique Italian
produce within the branded packaging.
Proud to be Italian may be another meaning of this product,
Parmesan, pasta, tomatoes, all made and grown in the land of Italy. The way the
image is set out with the products spilling out of the net bag is rather classic
of a market shopping trip , so much to choose from in this market that your bag
is into match for the sheer number of authentic Italian produce. The net bag
also represents local shopping and cultural identity within Italy.
The tinned and dried foods borrow interest from the fresh vegetables,
all together suggesting that Panzani provides
quick fresh homemade traditional food for all the family to enjoy!
What Barth is trying to explain is that images have embedded persuasive
messages, their own rhetoric within the image. The whole image is artfully
arranged like a still life image, this image wasn't naturally put together it
was carefully put together with perfection and extreme attention.
The package colours also signify the Italian flag referring
back to patriotism and showing off these official Italian products.
