Figure, Monkey Band

Dateca. 1756

Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (1745-1769)

MediumSoft-paste porcelain

DimensionsOH: 5 3/8"; W: 3 1/8"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. William H. Murdoch, Jr.

Object number1977-33

DescriptionMolded, soft-paste porcelain figure of a male monkey standing on his hind legs, playing a guitar. He is dressed in a Spanish troubadour costume wearing: a white wide-brimmed hat with pink band and bow; yellow long sleeved jacket with gilt buttons; a white ruff collar; white cuffs; pale pink breeches; and a purple cape draped over his left arm. He is supported by a stump which extends from 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.
InscribedNone
MarkingsRed anchor on rear of base.
ProvenancePurchased from: Winifred Williams

Exhibition(s)