The artwork titled “Portrait of a Monkey” is a distinguished piece by artist George Stubbs, created in the year 1774. This painting, crafted with oil on canvas, measures 60.3 x 70.5 cm and is a prominent example of the Romanticism art movement. Classified under the genre of animal painting, this artwork presently resides in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a monkey, which is the central subject of the composition, tenderly holding a branch laden with fruit, capturing the essence of its natural habitat. The rich, dark backdrop emphasizes the golden tones of the monkey’s fur, illuminating its expressive features. The precision in the texture and the realistic portrayal of both the animal and its environment showcase Stubbs’ mastery in wildlife art. The setting, with its detailed rendering of the foliage and fruit, collectively enhances the naturalistic quality and romantic undertones characteristic of the period’s art style.
