The Roman Charity 1764 - 1774

This porcelain sculpture, "The Roman Charity," was crafted at the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory between 1744 and 1784. The composition is dominated by the bodies of a man and woman, rendered in delicate, glossy porcelain. The artist captures the dramatic intensity of the scene through a dynamic, almost theatrical arrangement. The figures are interwoven, their forms creating a complex interplay of support and dependence. The color palette is muted, with soft pastels and subtle gradations enhancing the sense of fragility and vulnerability. The surface texture is smooth, emphasizing the refined craftsmanship and preciousness of the material. The sculpture challenges conventional notions of morality and social norms. The act of breastfeeding, traditionally associated with motherhood and nurturing, is reimagined in a transgressive act of filial devotion. This destabilizes established categories, inviting us to reconsider the boundaries between private and public, licit and illicit. Through its formal elements and narrative content, "The Roman Charity" functions as a site of ongoing interpretation, prompting us to question and re-evaluate the values and ideals of its time.