Por cima da Ervilha, por baixo da Princesa
2022
By Graciosa do Minho
85 x 65 x 10 cm
plaster, tile
Por Cima da Ervilha, Por Baixo da Princesa is a piece inspired by the story The Princess and the Pea. It draws a parallel between the idea conveyed in the tale — that a true princess is defined by her delicacy — and a contemporary understanding of a woman’s worth.
In the original story, the princess feels discomfort from a pea hidden beneath many mattresses. In this piece, however, the title itself signals a rebellious twist: the one who lies or rests upon the mosaic cushion is already seen and recognized as a princess, despite the surface being rough and hard.
The work invites the viewer to reflect on the value of women. It challenges the notion that physical delicacy is a requirement for worthiness or social status. As the title suggests, the piece stands between inherited beliefs passed down through folklore and a new perspective on the true value of femininity.