The connoisseur

October 23, 2023

The connoisseur

Clear as Gold: A Franciscan Moment in Eduard Theodor Ritter’s Beer Cellar

Eduard Theodor Ritter (1847–1926) was a German painter celebrated for his warm, humorous depictions of monastic life. In his body of work, Ritter often captured friars and monks in moments of daily simplicity — brewing, tasting, and sharing beverages, enjoying camaraderie, and reflecting the quiet joys of communal life. Far from mocking, his paintings reveal an affectionate and deeply human perspective on religious life, highlighting both devotion and the small pleasures that sustain it.

One such painting, titled “Clear as Gold,” depicts a lively scene in a dimly lit beer cellar. Four friars gather around a barrel that doubles as a table, surrounded by towering wooden casks. Sunlight streams through a small window or opening, illuminating a large golden mug held up by one of the friars — the liquid glowing “clear as gold.” Two of the other friars admire the color, while a third lifts a metal tasting cup to his nose, perhaps preparing to sip and savor the brew.

The scene is full of life and warmth: the friars’ varied builds, their attentive gestures, and the rich textures of the barrels and glassware all convey a sense of realism and intimacy. Even the smallest details, like a lidded metal vase resting atop the barrel, contribute to the authenticity of this monastic moment. The setting, a “cava” or cellar, reinforces the historic practice of brewing within the monasteries, where beer was considered liquid bread — nourishing, sustaining, and shared as an act of hospitality.

Through this work, Ritter not only immortalizes the craft of brewing but also highlights the Franciscan spirit of fraternity and joy. The friars are depicted fully human — engaged in work, study, and fellowship — reminding us that devotion often walks hand-in-hand with simple pleasures.

Since the Middle Ages, monasteries across Europe — including those of the Franciscan and Benedictine Orders — brewed beer as part of daily monastic life. It was known as “liquid bread,” nourishing the friars during fasting seasons and serving as a gift of hospitality for travelers and the poor. Brewing was not merely a craft but an act of charity and community, reflecting the monks’ self-sufficiency and care for others. In many regions, monastic breweries laid the foundations for modern brewing traditions that continue to this day.

Get a pack of 3 digital restored images (including the one on this post), now on sale