Boy with Monkey 1750 - 1764

This porcelain figurine, created by the Capodimonte Porcelain Manufactory, depicts a boy with a monkey, a subject laden with cultural and historical significance. The presence of the monkey, often seen as an exotic curiosity, signals themes of imitation, foolishness, and the "other." In art, monkeys have long served as stand-ins for human vices, appearing in allegories of the senses or as symbols of base instincts. Consider the Singerie, a visual motif prevalent in the decorative arts, where monkeys mimic human behavior, often with satirical intent. The pairing of a child with a monkey, however, introduces another layer. The child's innocence contrasts sharply with the monkey’s perceived wildness. One can see an early echo of the noble savage, the untamed id. The figurine becomes a vessel for projecting societal anxieties and desires, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. It reminds us that symbols never truly vanish; they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings.