Artwork Page for Monkey Preaching to Turkeys

Details / Information for Monkey Preaching to Turkeys

Monkey Preaching to Turkeys

1750–1800

circle of Christophe Huet

(French, 1700–1759)
Culture
France
Medium
Gouache
Support
; secondary support
Measurements
Sheet: 32.2 x 39.6 cm (12 11/16 x 15 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Muriel Butkin 2017.215
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This work belongs to a genre of imagery called singerie, which depicts monkeys dressed in human clothes parodying the actions of people. Here, a monkey preaches to a flock of turkeys from a wicker basket pulpit hanging from a tree. The turkeys, interpreted as symbols of foolishness, are deceived by the cunning primate in the disguise of a monk’s habit.
A horizontally oriented gouache drawing depicts a monkey with a light skin tone, white beard, and brown robes standing in a tall basket attached to a tree on the left. Facing right, the monkey gestures with an outstretched arm toward thirteen turkeys gathered on the ground. Rolling brown hills and green trees sit under a sky of pale blue and yellow clouds. Muted tones and soft brushwork characterize the scene.

Monkey Preaching to Turkeys

1750–1800

Christophe Huet

(French, 1700–1759)
France

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