Guitarist for the Monkey Band c. 1765

This is a porcelain sculpture of a monkey guitarist, produced by the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. It reflects a popular 18th-century European trend known as "singeries," where monkeys were depicted in human attire and activities, often humorously mimicking social elites. These monkey figures weren’t simply whimsical decorations. They were produced in Germany, where porcelain manufactories were often patronized by royalty and aristocracy. Figures like this one served as a satirical mirror, reflecting and gently mocking the behaviors and pretensions of the upper classes, from fashion and musical tastes to social gatherings. They provided a safe outlet for social commentary, using humor to critique the establishment. To fully appreciate this sculpture, one might look into the history of European porcelain production, the social customs of the 18th century, and the ways in which satire was used as a tool for social critique. Understanding the historical context allows us to see how art can reflect and comment on the society that creates it.