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KC1967-806
Figure, Monkey Band
KC1967-806

Figure, Monkey Band

Dateca. 1756
Artist/Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (1745-1769)
OriginEngland, Middlesex, Chelsea
MediumSoft-paste porcelain
DimensionsOH:5 15/16"; OW:2 1/2"; OD:2 7/8"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1952-622
DescriptionMolded, soft-paste porcelain figure of a male monkey standing on his hind legs. He holds a strap with both hands that extends across his shoulders. The strap holds a pair of drums draped in light purple fabric with gilt fringe. The head, hands, legs, and short tail are painted with short brown lines to simulate hair. He wears a tricorn hat with a purple feather and a gilt rim; a wig with a red-orange ribbon; a white shirt; and yellow breeches with red-orange bows at the knees. 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 nine figures of musicians and singers that belong to the Chelsea monkey band all have Meissen prototypes. This figure carries two drums over the shoulders, while an associated figure bears a pair of sticks to beat on the drums (accession 1952-615). At least two other examples of the model carrying the drums survive, but in one the monkey wears no hat and in the other he wears a cap and no wig.

The 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
MarkingsAnchor painted red on base at stump to the right of left foot (Godden 868)
ProvenanceEx Coll: Humphrey W. Cook, Richmond, Surrey, and London (Sold: Christie, Manson, & Wood, LTD, CATALOGUE OF OLD ENGLISH FURNITURE AND PORCELAIN (May 16, 1945) lot 21) ; Sir Edward and Lady Baron, London,(purchasing agent for them: Frank Partridge & Son, Ltd., London)
Purchased from: Frank Partridge & Sons, Ltd.
Exhibition(s)