Lady at her Breakfast 1737 - 1744

This porcelain sculpture, "Lady at her Breakfast," was crafted in Vienna, but its exact date remains unknown. At first glance, we see a woman enjoying a leisurely breakfast, but the presence of a Black servant complicates this seemingly innocent scene. During this period, European society was deeply entrenched in colonialism and the exploitation of enslaved peoples. This sculpture offers insight into the lives of the elite, made possible by the labor and subjugation of others. The Black servant, rendered in porcelain, is reduced to a symbol of status, stripped of his own identity and humanity. The sculpture invites us to confront the uncomfortable truths about our past. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of luxury and the importance of recognizing the legacies of colonialism in our present day. It encourages us to question the power dynamics inherent in seemingly innocuous scenes and to consider the perspectives of those who have been historically marginalized.