Pavian and Albino Makake 1780

George Stubbs painted "Pavian and Albino Makake" with oil on canvas, capturing a moment laden with the scientific and social attitudes of his time. Stubbs, celebrated for his anatomical precision, especially in equine art, extends his gaze here to primates. In the 18th century, encounters with the "exotic" fueled both scientific inquiry and colonial narratives. The juxtaposition of the robust, darker-toned baboon with the pale macaque invites us to consider the era’s fascination with racial difference. The baboon, posed with an almost human-like gesture, holds a staff, perhaps symbolizing dominion or exploration. Meanwhile, the macaque's albinism renders it a figure of rarity, set apart. Stubbs’s painting, beyond its naturalistic skill, offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between natural history, colonial expansion, and the construction of racial categories. This piece serves as a reminder of how scientific observation can both reflect and shape prevailing cultural narratives.