Reproductie van een schilderij van twee kapucijn monniken die een pot schoonmaken, door Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse before 1884

This is a reproduction of a painting of two Capuchin monks cleaning a pot; the original was made by Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse. Focusing on this work’s materiality, we can observe that it’s a reproduction of a painting, meaning it’s already one step removed from the artist’s hand. In the image itself, the monks are focused on a utilitarian task, cleaning copper pots. Copper, valued for its conductivity and malleability, has been used for centuries in kitchens. Here, the labor of maintaining these objects is highlighted, an everyday scene infused with a certain dignity. The choice of subject matter – humble monks engaged in humble work – reflects a broader social interest in labor and the working class. By portraying this scene, the artist elevates the ordinary, reminding us of the value inherent in all forms of making and maintaining. The work challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft. It is a reminder that beauty and meaning can be found in the everyday.