Late 19th Century Silvered Bronze Toothpick Holder of Dressed Monkey With Umbrella and Top-Hat

Description

Silvered bronze toothpick holder of dressed monkey with umbrella and top-hat

By: unknown
Material: bronze, silver, metal, copper
Technique: cast, … more Silvered bronze toothpick holder of dressed monkey with umbrella and top-hat

By: unknown
Material: bronze, silver, metal, copper
Technique: cast, patinated, silvered, molded, polished, metalwork
Dimensions: 2.5 in x 3.5 in x 4 in
Date: late 19th century
Style: Victorian, Art Nouveau, Modernism, Arts and Crafts
Place of origin: United Kingdom

This small bronze sculpture with silver plating depicts an anthropomorphized monkey wearing a suit and standing upright on its hind legs. In its left hand, it grasps a top-hat, while its right hand holds an umbrella etched with holes for toothpicks. The sculpture sits atop a round base crafted of the same material. Partial manufacturer's marks are visible on the underside.

Though whimsical in concept, the figure's fine craftsmanship and intentional details reflect the artist's skill in imbuing an animal subject with human qualities and Victorian-era fashion sensibilities. The choice of bronze and silver speaks to the sculpture's value, and it provides an intriguing example of exotic animal art in the late 19th/early 20th century. less