The Refectory (Le refectoire)

Alphonse Legros

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of monks seated around a dining table. The scene captures several monks engaged in a meal within a dimly-lit room. The table is covered with a simple cloth and has dishes laid out modestly. There is a sense of communal interaction as one monk appears to be serving another, and some of the other monks are partaking in the meal. In the background, an archway and a crucifix are visible. The drawing is rendered in a detailed cross-hatch style, emphasizing texture and shadow to convey a quiet, solemn atmosphere.