The Kappeler milk soup 1869

Albrecht Anker painted 'The Kappeler Milk Soup' using oil paints and canvas, in a traditional fine art manner. At first glance, this painting might seem like a straightforward historical depiction of a key moment in Swiss history. But think about the material culture on display here: the soldiers' armour hammered and shaped by a blacksmith; the wooden barrel coopered together to contain the milk soup; the spoons carved from wood. These objects speak volumes about the labor and skill involved in their creation, each reflecting the social context of the time. 'The Kappeler Milk Soup' encourages us to look beyond the surface narrative and consider the modes of production and craftsmanship embedded within the scene. By recognizing the value of materials, making, and context, we can gain a deeper understanding of the artwork's significance, challenging the boundaries between fine art and craft.