Monkey on a Branch 1879

pencil drawn

amateur sketch

toned paper

light pencil work

pencil sketch

incomplete sketchy

charcoal drawing

pencil drawing

detailed observational sketch

portrait drawing

"Monkey on a Branch" is a graphite drawing by August Allebé, a Dutch artist known for his animal studies. Created in 1879, this detailed study depicts a monkey sitting on a branch, its expressive eyes and fur rendered with meticulous detail. The drawing's realism and focus on the animal's anatomy showcase Allebé's talent for capturing the essence of his subjects, making it a significant work in his animalistic oeuvre. The artwork is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, offering a glimpse into Allebé's artistic process and the study of animals in art.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

⋮

More than anybody else, August Allebé succeeded in capturing the character of the animals he drew. In this drawing he aptly conveyed the monkey’s skittish movement and wary expression. The little animal held this pose for only a few seconds; yet this was enough time for the artist to get the first lines down on paper and to draw the rest from memory.