It’s Black History Month! Black People in European History #16

It's Black History Month! Every day I will post something that shows the deep and rich history of Black people in Europe, so no one ever again questions why Black actors should be cast in all the films, plays, and shows about European history or based on fictionalized European history like Lord of the Rings and The Witcher.

February 16: Two Women Gathering Fruit, c. 1740-1750. This painting is by the English artist Steven Slaughter. Slaughter himself didn’t title the painting; the titles came later. The alternate title is "Young Woman with Servant." But look closely: the Black woman is wearing far more jewelry, and it’s all more expensive. Look at those rubies in her headpiece and on her necklace! Look at all the pearls in her necklace! Her earrings have three pearls each, while the white woman’s earrings have one. The Black woman’s gown is more expensive, with lace details and frogging on the bodice. The Black woman is the one looking directly at the viewer. When you examine the painting more closely, it becomes clear that the title "Young Woman with Servant" was given only due to their skin colors. Modern art historians have started using two new names: "Two Women Gathering Fruit" and "Two Society Women." Whoever these women were, they’re clearly friends. The Black woman’s hand on the white woman’s shoulder is a gesture of intimacy, and if there’s any difference in rank, the Black woman’s attire marks her as the higher rank. Cast Black actors!