Breakfast Preparations 1893

Auguste-Louis Lepère made this print titled "Breakfast Preparations" using etching. Lepère here gives us a sense of the cultural and social dynamics within a domestic space. Made in France around the turn of the 20th century, this artwork is a window into the daily life of a family. The scene depicts three children, likely siblings, in what appears to be a bustling kitchen, seemingly engaged in the preparations of a meal. The setting seems to reflect a time of significant social change, where traditional roles and the structure of domestic labour were beginning to be questioned. This work also prompts questions about the institutions of art and their role in shaping our perceptions of everyday life. Historical documents, such as census records, domestic science manuals, and accounts of the artist’s life might further illuminate the social context of this print. Such resources can enrich our appreciation of the art, reminding us that its meaning is always rooted in a specific time, place, and set of social relations.