A Monumental Portrait of a Monkey
c. 1705–1710
Medium
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Dimensions
Outermost border: 48.5 × 58.7 cm (19 × 23 in.); Image: 45 × 56 cm (17 3/4 × 22 in.)
Classification
asian art
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
210511
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Except for depictions of the monkey-god Hanuman, monkeys are rarely the subject of portraits in India. In this monumental portrait, therefore, we are looking not only at an unusual subject matter but also at a study of an extraordinary simian: one with human features complete with a beard, pale eyes, and long, slender hands. The inscription on the back of this work, written in Devanagari, states that the monkey is named Husaini and “comes from” Nawab Davad (or Daud) Khan. This name most likely r...
Art Historical Context
Behold *A Monumental Portrait of Monkey*, a striking anonymous work from around 1705–1710, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department Measuring an impressive 45 × cm for the image alone—framed by an outermost border of 48.5 × 58.7 cm—this opaque watercolor and gold on paper stands out for its grand scale, rare for such intimate painting traditions. Created in the early 18th century, likely within the vibrant courts of South Asia, the piece exemplifies the technical mastery of gouache (opaque watercolor) heightened with gold, a hallmark of Indian miniature painting schools like those of the Deccan or Mughal empires. The luminous gold imparts a regal glow, elevating the monkey subject to monumental status, as if portraying a noble sitter. This unusual choice of protagonist invites curiosity: monkeys held symbolic roles in Indian culture, often linked to devotion, mischief, or the epic Ramayana. Its artistic significance lies in blending portraiture's psychological depth with animal depiction, showcasing exquisite detail in fur texture and expressive gaze. A captivating gem for visitors, it reveals the playful innovation of Asian artists blending the everyday with the extraordinary.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...