Artwork
Making Lint

Making Lint is an oil painting by the Realist artist Mihály Munkácsy. It dates from 1871 and is held in the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1871 by Hungarian artist Mihály Munkácsy, *Making Lint* is an oil painting that exemplifies the realist approach to everyday subjects. The work is part of the Hungarian National Gallery’s collection and presents a modest domestic scene rendered with careful observation of light, texture, and human activity.
Subject & Meaning
The composition gathers several figures around a table, some seated, others standing, all absorbed in the task implied by the title—producing lint. The subdued lighting and focused postures convey a sense of quiet labor, highlighting the dignity of ordinary work rather than dramatizing the event.
Technique & Style
Munkácsy employs chiaroscuro, allowing a strong contrast between the dim interior and the left‑hand light source to model forms. Warm wooden tones contrast with cooler hues in the clothing, while visible brushwork adds surface texture. The painter’s handling balances detailed realism with a slightly painterly surface.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the painting entered the holdings of the Hungarian National Gallery, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s commitment to representing 19th‑century Hungarian art and to preserving Munkácsy’s contributions to genre painting alongside his larger biblical works.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mihály Munkácsy (Hungarian pronunciation: ; 20 February 1844 – 1 May 1900) was a Hungarian painter. He earned international reputation with his genre pictures and large-scale biblical paintings.



















