Like Rhina, my response to this poem has always been complex. I have always felt pity for the two characters in the poem. They both seem to be rather unsympathetically drawn. He seems to be an untalented mediocrity who is adored by his (imagined) stupid mistress who knows no better. Then there's the transcendental aspect of the image on the canvas--whether actual or in their minds--and the dying vegetable matter in the room. The gnawed melon seems to be a metaphor for fading powers. Memento mori includes the humans as well as the painting.
The pentameter is nicely sustained and there are interesting near rhymes which disappear then return and finally perfect rhyme.
A good poem that makes me feel very sad.
Janet
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