The scene is an art show where judges are inspecting several canvases are displayed. They comment on the brightness, color, and technique that are used in the different pictures. They select one for the prize and comment additionally on the genius, imagination, and beauty of the picture. The artist is called up and the winning picture is shown to him. The painter exclaims, "Oh, my goodness, that got in by mistake. That's the canvas that I clean my brushes on.