The Flying Breakfast 1782

"The Flying Breakfast" is an anonymous etching that presents a complex tableau of 18th-century social life, likely created in London. It invites us into a chaotic scene filled with caricatured figures which critiques the excesses and social pretensions of the period. Note the central figure, whose exaggerated form and theatrical yawn suggest a satire of the nouveau riche, clumsily navigating social graces. The presence of the Black servant behind him further complicates the scene, subtly hinting at the economics of colonialism which underpins such displays of wealth. The other figures and a clock in the background reinforce a sense of disorder and critique of social norms. This etching uses humor to underscore the tensions around class, race, and the performance of identity in a rapidly changing society. It’s an invitation to reflect on the historical roots of contemporary social dynamics and the emotional aspects of social identity.