Turkish woman 1745 - 1755

This porcelain sculpture of a Turkish woman was created by the Meissen Manufactory in the 18th century. During this period, European art was characterized by Orientalism, a fascination with the "exotic" cultures of the East. This figurine is not merely a depiction of a woman; it's an embodiment of Europe's complex relationship with the "Orient." Her clothing, identified as Turkish, is rendered in delicate porcelain, transforming a real culture into a decorative object. This objectification raises questions about cultural appropriation and the power dynamics inherent in representation. How does it feel to see a culture reduced to a decorative object? Does it spark curiosity, discomfort, or both? The sculpture makes us reflect on how identity is constructed and perceived across cultural boundaries.