Friar carrying a woman 1750 - 1760

This porcelain figurine of a friar carrying a woman was made at the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory in the mid-18th century. It encapsulates a period of social commentary through decorative arts. The scene, rendered in delicate porcelain, presents a friar burdened by a woman on his back. This was produced in England at a time when anti-clerical sentiments were bubbling, particularly concerning the perceived moral failings of the Catholic clergy. The image subtly critiques religious authority, using humor to underscore a narrative of impropriety or hypocrisy. Analyzing the piece, we must look to the prints and satirical pamphlets circulating in England at the time. These resources provide insight into the cultural attitudes towards religion and morality, helping us understand how a seemingly simple figurine could engage with broader social and political debates. The role of the historian is to piece together these fragments of the past, revealing the complex interplay between art, society, and power.