Le Pot de Terre et le Pot de Fer / The Earthen Pot and the Iron Pot

1989
oil on canvas
90 x 75 cm
signed and dated 'W Aractingii 89' (lower right)

NOT FOR SALE
Provenance

The Artist's Estate

Condition Report
There are no obvious condition concerns. For a full condition report please email service@artscoops.com.
Certificate
Artscoops is not obliged to provide certificate(s) unless otherwise stated.
Location

Beirut, Lebanon

Shipping
  • Ships in up to 14 business days.
MORE FROM THIS ARTIST


About this artwork

Le Pot de Terre et le Pot de Fer

Le Pot de fer proposa
Au Pot de terre un voyage.
Celui-ci s'en excusa,
Disant qu'il ferait que sage
De garder le coin du feu ;
Car il lui fallait si peu,
Si peu, que la moindre chose
De son débris serait cause.
Il n'en reviendrait morceau.
Pour vous, dit-il, dont la peau
Est plus dure que la mienne,
Je ne vois rien qui vous tienne.
Nous vous mettrons à couvert,
Repartit le Pot de fer.
Si quelque matière dure
Vous menace d'aventure,
Entre deux je passerai,
Et du coup vous sauverai.
Cette offre le persuade.
Pot de fer son camarade
Se met droit à ses côtés.
Mes gens s'en vont à trois pieds,
Clopin-clopant comme ils peuvent,
L'un contre l'autre jetés,
Au moindre hoquet qu'ils treuvent.
Le pot de terre en souffre ; il n'eut pas fait cent pas
Que par son Compagnon il fut mis en éclats,
Sans qu'il eût lieu de se plaindre .


Ne nous associons qu'avecque nos égaux ;
Ou bien il nous faudra craindre
Le destin d'un de ces Pots .

The Earthen Pot and the Iron Pot

"Neighbour," said the Iron Pot,
"Let us go abroad a little."
"Thank you, I would rather not,"
Was the answer that he got.
Earthenware, you know, is brittle;
And the weaker Pot was wiser
Than to trust his bad adviser.
"Mighty well for you" said he;
"Skin like yours can hardly suffer
Very much by land or sea,
That is clear; but, as for me,
Stop till I′m a little tougher.
You may roam the wide world over;
I shall stay at home in clover."
"Friend!" the Iron Pot replied,
"Don′t let such a fear affect you;
I shall travel at your side:
So, whatever may betide,
Cling to me, and I′ll protect you."
Having won his friend′s compliance,
Off they started in alliance.
Jigging, jogging, on they went,
Knocking one against the other;
Till the Earthen Pot was sent
(Past the powers of cement)
Into atoms by his brother.
′Twas his own imprudence, clearly,
That was paid for very dearly.

With our equals let us mate,
Or dread the weaker vessel′s fate.

BUY
ARTSCOOPS LEADS YOU INTO THE MENA ART SCENE
An immersive experience of proximity and excitement, accompanied by service of exceptional quality, adapted to meet your needs

BUYING
SELL
BRING THE MENA ART MARKET TO LIFE
Sell your own works or works from your collection with Artscoops


SELLING
article image alt
A creative, customised celebration of interior design
The international designer Maggy Monsef has gained widespread recognition for her ability to create standout spaces that are fresh, functional and as individual as her clients. Here, she talks to Artscoops about designing spaces that have both luxury and liveability at their heart.Maggy MonsefA quick 360° video tour of Maggy Monsef’s home in...
— Read the full interview
article image alt
The inside story
The young artist Antoine Deeb talks to Artscoops about looking inward rather than outside for inspiration, and finding beauty in the routines and rituals that make up his everyday life.Title: Self Portrait (White on White)Medium: Acrylics on CanvasDimensions: 30 × 30 cmYear: 2024Painting self-portraits and detailed scenes of the inside of his...
— Read the full interview
article image alt
In praise of the ‘art abode’
Building on familial foundations, Cyril Karaoglan has nurtured his passion for regional art over the years through forums that range from cultural expeditions to fun and insightful dinner-party conversations. Here, the well-known art insurance expert invites Ahmad Minkara into his Beirut apartment for a look at his impressive collection and to...
— Read the full interview
article image alt
In praise of the past, present and passion of the pen
The renowned British calligrapher and artist Soraya Syed tells Artscoops about how she has carved her own path in this specialist field by combining tradition with innovation.While Arabic calligraphy is firmly rooted in tradition, many of the projects bearing the name of the renowned British calligrapher and artist Soraya Syed confirm that this...
— Read the full interview
article image alt
Contemplating the Sacred through Art
The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale launched on January 25th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, offering audiences a unique opportunity to view over 500 works, spanning treasured historical artefacts, religious objects and contemporary pieces of art, from more than 30 institutions worldwide. Titled ‘And All That Is In Between’, the second edition of this...
— Read the full interview
article image alt
Ramzi Mallat’s relentless journey of discovery, rediscovery and self-reflection
For Lebanese-born, UK-based multidisciplinary artist Ramzi Mallat, Art is more than a medium - it’s a bridge between the past, present and future. Deeply rooted in cultural heritage, Mallat’s work delves into unearthing stories and traditions that resonate across generations. Speaking to Artscoops, the artist explains that while his practice is...
— Read the full interview
Sign in to your account to get exclusive access to new works, receive personalised experiences and place bids.

Forgot your password?