Monk Carrying Woman c. early 17th century

This is a glazed earthenware sculpture entitled "Monk Carrying Woman," created by Avon Pottery, sometime between 1579 and 1640. During this period, gender roles were rigidly defined, and the relationship between the clergy and laity was fraught with complex social and religious expectations. This sculpture offers a glimpse into the era's attitudes towards women, religion, and social hierarchies. We see a male figure, a monk, burdened by the weight of a woman he carries on his back. The emotional tension is palpable: is it compassion or servitude? The woman appears passive, almost doll-like, reinforcing traditional gender roles. The choice to depict this scene challenges conventional representations. It invites us to question the power dynamics inherent in religious institutions and gender relations, reflecting societal issues while tapping into the personal and emotional dimensions of the figures involved.