A Monkey c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Ernest Henry Grisset’s "A Monkey", a drawing made with ink and watercolor sometime in the 19th century. The image feels quite whimsical and folkloric. What do you make of it? Curator: The depiction of animals with human characteristics, what we call anthropomorphism, has a rich history deeply intertwined with social and political commentary. These types of illustrations gained immense popularity as forms of satirical critique, particularly during periods of significant social upheaval. Have you seen this employed in any other contexts? Editor: I've seen similar images in political cartoons. This monkey’s dress, especially the tattered clothes, seems significant. Is Grisset perhaps making a statement about class? Curator: Absolutely! Clothing often served as a visual shorthand for social standing. Think about how the artist uses caricature. The monkey’s exaggerated features coupled with those ragged clothes and wooden shoes would signal a specific identity to a 19th-century viewer. It prompts us to question, who is being represented, and perhaps more importantly, *who* is doing the representing, and what agendas they may have. Editor: So the image isn’t *just* about a monkey in clothes, but reflects the artist’s socio-political perspective? Curator: Precisely. It reveals how animal representation becomes a screen for projecting societal anxieties and hierarchies. Editor: It’s fascinating how much context is embedded in what seems like a simple sketch. Curator: Indeed! Considering the cultural milieu in which Grisset was working provides such a richer, deeper appreciation of his work. Editor: I'll definitely keep an eye out for anthropomorphism in other works. Thank you for helping me decode this work!