Figure, Monkey Band

Dateca. 1756

Artist/Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (1745-1769)

MediumSoft-paste porcelain

DimensionsOH: 5 3/4" (14.8cm); OW: 3" (7.5cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Phyllis Murdoch in memory of her husband, William H. Murdoch, Jr.

Object number1977-52

DescriptionMolded, soft-paste porcelain figure of a female monkey, seated with her legs cross and an open music book on her lap. She wears a white cap with a turquoise ribbon, and a purple robe with a blue lining, a yellow petticoat, and turquoise bows on the bodice. The figure rests on a Rococo style base with scrolls highlighted with gilding and applied leaves and flowers.

Label TextThe Chelsea porcelain monkey band figures poke fun at French aristocracy in a similar fashion to the macaroni prints of the 18th century. The origins date back to France in the early 18th century and come from singeries – monkeys imitating humans – that were painted by Claude III Audran in interiors for Louis XIV at the Chateau de Marly in 1709. This trend persisted and there are numerous depictions of monkeys in French drawings and prints that were making fun of French aristocratic society. In the 1750s the German Meissen porcelain manufactory created the first set of porcelain figures of the Monkey Band. It was again a satirical representation of French aristocrats. Madame de Pompadour ordered a set of the figures from the Meissen manufactory in 1753 for display at the Palace of Versailles because she loved the whimsical depictions. As English porcelain so often did, the Chelsea porcelain manufactory copied the German figures. The Chelsea monkey band in Colonial Williamsburg's collection is a rare survival and one of the only complete sets in a public collection.
InscribedNo
MarkingsRed anchor apint at front of base.
ProvenancePurchased from: Winifred Williams

Exhibition(s)