Jean-Siméon Chardin, Monkey as Painter. 1740. Musée du Louvre
Hurrah! Tis Friday! Before you all take off for your fabulous weekends, I thought I would share some artwork with you. This piece is by Chardin, who clearly had a great sense of humor. Here our monkey is displaying his talents by painting a finely set up still life.
The still life includes marble sculpture, glass and fabric, all textures are meant to show the range of his skill. Our little painter also portrays his care for the accurate as he rests his wrists to steady his hand, clearly a skilled life painter.
Below the still life you will see his large portfolio of works. This addition suggests that he has been painting for sometime and his talent apparent. Similar motifs can be seen in later works such as the following portrait of Madame du Pompadour who also had a passion for art. Notice both artists used blue satin ribbons to tie their portfolios, I think I would do the same!
Maurice-Quentin de La Tour, Madame de Pompadour. 1752, pastel. Musée du Louvre.
