Monniken in een keuken 1817 - 1888

Joseph Meganck’s etching depicts monks in a kitchen, a scene of apparent quietude and contemplation. Yet, the cultural and institutional backdrop of 19th-century Belgium adds layers of complexity. Meganck, working in a period marked by rising anticlerical sentiment, presents a seemingly benign view of monastic life. However, it is crucial to consider the power dynamics at play. The image was likely produced for a bourgeois audience that would have been keen to see depictions of religious life. The cultural significance of monasteries, their economic power, and their role in education and social welfare were all subjects of intense debate. Meganck’s image creates meaning through its use of visual codes, such as the monks’ simple robes and the humble setting. By portraying the monks as peaceful and studious, Meganck presents a vision of a world of order and discipline as the debate about the role of the church raged around him. To fully understand the role of art, we can use period newspapers and pamphlets to understand more about the debate.