Singeries

Christophe Huet (1700-1759), French artist of the Rococo period, illustrated this rare first edition depicting examples of “singerie.” Singerie, derived from the French word “monkey trick," a visual genre which features fashionably attired monkeys humorously imitating human behavior became a popular and amusing diversion for the upper classes in 18th century France. Singerie were depicted in paintings by such artists as Jean-Antoine Watteau as well as motifs in marquetry, textiles, and porcelain. Around 1737, Huet painted six panels depicting monkeys dressed as human and performing human activities for a small boudoir called the Grande Singerie at Chateau de Chantilly. This book includes 40 black-and-white and hand-colored images by Huet illustrating monkeys hunting, playing music, dancing, bathing, and exercising.