Singerie: The Sculptor

Christophe Huet

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of monkeys creating a sculpture. The scene shows monkeys working as sculptors. One monkey is chiseling a bust on a plinth, while others are nearby, some seeming to discuss or plan. The setting is outdoors with shrubbery, fencing, and a cloudy sky. Various tools and vessels are scattered around, creating a busy workspace. The painting captures a playful and satirical moment, featuring animals engaging in human-like activities. The style is reminiscent of the baroque period, similar to works by artist David Teniers the Younger, known for paintings of monkeys in human scenarios, also known as 'singeries.'