Singer for the Monkey Band c. 1765

"Singer for the Monkey Band" is a porcelain figurine created by the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory around 1765. The figurine depicts a monkey dressed in a pink and yellow gown holding a sheet of music, likely a satire of the human fascination with monkeys' ability to mimic human behavior. The figurine's intricate details and vibrant colors showcase the high quality of Meissen porcelain, which was renowned for its technical innovation and artistic excellence in the 18th century. The whimsical nature of the figurine reflects the popular taste for animal-themed sculptures during the Rococo period. This piece can be found in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.