Figure Studies
The Monkey Painter (Le Singe peintre)
Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin
A whimsical 18th-century scene featuring a monkey in fine attire focused on his artistic craft.
Le singe antiquaire
Unknown Artist
1701 · Oil Paint
A charming 18th-century singerie painting depicting a monkey as a focused scholar and antiquarian.
$243
For the selected configuration
From $129
1 frame size
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Where it works
A balanced artwork with steady presence in a warmer tonal register — holds a composed wall with restraint.
- Often works in
- Study · Library · Office
- Placement
- Reads naturally where the wall has more height than width
- Walls
- Best where a lighter wall gives it room to show
- Color notes
- Charcoal black, Rich brown, Aged gold
About the piece
This whimsical 18th-century oil painting belongs to the 'singerie' tradition, where monkeys are depicted in human roles. Here, a primate dressed in a ruffled shirt meticulously studies a coin with a lens, surrounded by the trappings of a scholarly life—heavy volumes, ancient coins, and parchment maps. The warm, dark tones and detailed still life elements create a sophisticated yet playful atmosphere.
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