Monkey Supporting an Escutcheon, from the Top of a Balustrade or the Backrest of the Stadholder’s Chair in the Rolzaal in the Hof van Holland, The Hague 1511

This 16th-century wood sculpture, "Monkey Supporting an Escutcheon," by Joost Janszoon depicts a monkey figure, possibly a representation of a Moor or a person of African descent, supporting a shield on a baluster or a chair. The piece, carved from oak, exemplifies Renaissance sculpture, often incorporating themes of humanity and the natural world. The sculpture, now detached from its original context, likely served as a decorative element in a grand interior setting, showcasing the craftsmanship of the period and highlighting the themes of power and authority associated with the coat of arms.