About Still Life with Silver Cake Basket: Still Life with Silver Cake Basket (1866) by John F. Francis is a refined still life that highlights the elegance of everyday indulgence. At the center, a silver cake basket brims with golden cakes and biscuits, their textures carefully rendered to suggest freshness and lightness. A slice of cake and scattered crumbs in the foreground evoke recent enjoyment, adding a lived-in realism to the tableau. Two slender glasses of amber-colored wine sit nearby, their warm tones echoing the cakes and contrasting with the polished silver. Behind them, a tall bottle labeled "Old Cherry" anchors the scene, balancing verticality against the horizontal spread of the basket. Francis’s skill is evident in his treatment of varied surfaces-gleaming metal, crumbly cake, reflective glass—all unified through soft, natural light. // Image Credit: John F. Francis, Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
Eclairs are a type of pastry made from choux dough, which is piped into an oblong shape and baked until hollow and crisp. The dough, known as pate a choux, relies on steam for leavening instead of yeast or baking powder. Once baked and cooled, eclairs are typically filled with pastry cream, whipped cream, or custard. The top is usually glazed with icing, most commonly chocolate, vanilla, or caramel. Eclairs originated in France in the 19th century and are considered a classic of French patisserie. They must be baked at high heat initially to create steam, which helps form their signature hollow interior. Modern variations include flavors like coffee, raspberry, and pistachio. Eclairs are served chilled or at room temperature and are popular in bakeries worldwide
The Kalij pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) is a species of pheasant native to forests and thickets of the Himalayan foothills, ranging from Pakistan to western Thailand. It is sexually dimorphic: males have striking plumage that varies among subspecies, typically featuring glossy bluish-black feathers, while females are brown and more cryptic. The bird belongs to the family Phasianidae, which includes other ground-dwelling birds like junglefowl and quail. Kalij pheasants are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, berries, insects, and small invertebrates. They prefer dense undergrowth and bamboo forests but can also adapt to secondary growth and areas near human settlements. There are several recognized subspecies, including Lophura leucomelanos horsfieldii, historically referred to as Horsfield’s pheasant. Though generally shy, they are often observed near forest edges and are known for their strong legs, which they use to scratch through leaf litter in search of food.
Slip-On clogs are a versatile and comfortable type of footwear designed for a range of activities and settings. They are typically constructed from durable, easy-to-clean materials such as EVA foam or rubber and come in a variety of vibrant colors and designs. They often feature an open back, cushioned insoles and arch support and non-slip soles. Many slip-on clogs feature strategically placed ventilation ports to keep your feet cool and comfortable. These ports also help with water drainage, making them great for activities near water. Put the pieces back together and reconstruct the purple clogs in the image featured in this fun jigsaw and complete today's puzzle. Have fun!
In today's puzzle we feature a cute and playful kitten checking out autumn leaves for the first time. Cats are usually curious and inquisitive and like to explore their environment. When something changes in their habitat they notice it very quickly and makes them curious to investigate and understand it.
Part 3 of our fun puzzle series "Exploring the World of Mushrooms" is here. Based on a stunning illustration, this puzzle invites you to explore the hidden realms of nature's fungal wonders. Each piece showcases a delightful array of mushrooms, revealing their unique charm in shapes, sizes, and colors, forming a captivating tapestry of biodiversity. Every piece of this puzzle exudes an artistic expression, with meticulous attention to detail capturing the essence of each mushroom. From the delicate striations on stems to the play of light on caps, every element invites wonder and curiosity, transcending the earthly existence of the mushrooms and inviting puzzlers to appreciate their beauty and mystery. As you piece together this enchanting puzzle, immerse yourself in the magic of the mushroom world and let your imagination run wild amidst the fungal wonders of the forest. Have fun!
In today's puzzle we feature some large and juicy watermelons. Watermelons may exceed 60 cm in diameter. Their rind is mid to dark green and usually mottled or striped, and the flesh, containing numerous pips spread throughout the inside, can be red or pink, yellow, orange, green or white. Do you like watermelons? What is your favorite?
This puzzle is based on Vincent van Gogh's painting called "First Steps, after Millet". While a patient at the asylum in Saint-Remy, Van Gogh painted twenty-one copies after Millet, an artist he greatly admired. The painting depicts a fenced-in garden behind a house and two parents encouraging their child to walk for the first time.
In today's puzzle we feature a Sumatran tiger. The Sumatran tiger is the only surviving tiger population in the Sunda Islands. These beautiful tigers prefer lowland and hill forests, they tend to use areas with higher elevation. The Sumatran tiger is one of the smallest tigers that are still living in the wild.
Solve today's puzzle and join us for a relaxing bike ride in the park on a sunny summer day. In this idyllic puzzle, a tranquil park unfolds, adorned with lush green grass and towering trees that paint a serene backdrop. Put the pieces back together and see the sleek bicycle resting beside one of the majestic trees and the thick branches of the nearby trees, adorned with vibrant green leaves. Click start and enjoy a leisurely and relaxing bike ride in the park. Have fun!
The prehensile-tailed porcupine, also known as the Coendou, is a small mammal native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. It possesses an endearing combination of traits that make it truly fascinating. With a compact body covered in a coat of sharp, needle-like quills, this porcupine boasts an exceptional defense mechanism against predators. However, don't let its spiky exterior fool you; beneath those quills lies a gentle and charming personality. What sets the prehensile-tailed porcupine apart is its remarkable tail. Adapted for life in the treetops, its tail is incredibly flexible and can curl around branches, acting like an extra limb. This unique feature allows the porcupine to maintain balance and move with grace as it navigates through the dense forest canopy.
Love this vibe? Our jigsaw collection offers a wide mix of puzzles with beautiful visuals and calming designs to unwind with anytime.