Den leende Munk 1884

Curator: Hello, and welcome. Here we have Carl Bloch's "Den leende Munk", or "The Smiling Monk," from 1884. It is currently held at the SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark. It's an etching, which gives it a delicate, intimate feel. Editor: My goodness, what a charmer! It's small, isn't it? And he looks like he knows a secret, a really good one. I can't help smiling back. He has such a kind face, not at all what you'd expect, stereotypically at least, from depictions of monks. Curator: Bloch often engaged with religious subject matter but this one does depart from more devotional works. Prints such as this one gained popularity as ways for middle-class individuals to possess images they found intriguing or touching; allowing people to build a sense of community by circulating artwork with a human element. Editor: It is incredibly approachable. The technique too. I’m really drawn in to that quick, almost sketch-like quality. You can feel his hand moving across the plate, figuring out just the right angle of that hood. Look at those subtle lines around his eyes, catching the light and animating his smile, and the textures suggesting folds of his habit. It's a portrait, but somehow it also captures a fleeting moment. I love that! Curator: Absolutely. Bloch had extensive training in technique which he adapted for diverse functions; he’s most widely celebrated for paintings in churches, yet clearly delighted in producing prints for domestic display. He also made genre-paintings and historical works, and portraits, showing a true interest in contemporary tastes and opportunities. The placement on the paper itself is worth noting: such a relatively small figure against such a stark, generous backdrop is quite arresting. Editor: The print's minimalism certainly adds to that sense of peacefulness, or contained glee! Makes me think of someone trying not to laugh out loud during a sermon, that mischievous feeling we all get sometimes! You almost feel conspiratorial in beholding that very individual emotion. Curator: He’s relatable despite his monastic life, I would say, appealing across centuries and beliefs to anyone able to enjoy simple pleasures. Thank you for joining me to explore his legacy in art. Editor: Indeed. It’s the sort of artwork you could imagine living with and coming back to time and again to cheer yourself up! It's a great choice and highlights that it's always worth making time for quiet observation.