I have to admit, this is probably my favorite photo so far on this site. It's just got...everything! What I particularly love is the way the woman looks very "put together;" not a hair out of place (hair net, I think?), perfect posture, and then there's this slobbery, shaggy dog just sitting there in the chair with the canine equivalent of a goofy grin. I love it!
The patterns on the robe, tablescloth and china all blend together to me and make the two heads stand out. This tableau would look completely different in color. It takes a special eye to look at a scene and imagine how it would be in black and white.
That dog can't be interested in the grapefruit or hard boiled egg... he must be waiting for what's under the covered plate in the center.