Still Life Image Research "Panzani"

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.