Monkey with a palette by Charles MONGINOT (1825-1900)

Large oil on canvas

Charles MONGINOT 1825-1900

Son of a baker, Monginot began as a self-taught artist. His talent was quickly noticed by his entourage and he began his studies at the Beaux-arts de Paris in the studio of Thomas Couture.

He quickly became friends with Édouard Manet.

He is known for his portraits, still life and genre scenes.

His portraits, like our monkey, are often executed on plain tones with a beautiful light coming from the left.

He exhibited in the Salons and received a medal in 1864 and 1894.

The monkey artist is a common theme in painting. Here Monginot's touch is vivid.
The monkey becomes the ideal double of the painter or sculptor.
Mantegna, Picasso or Delacroix and Chardin will exploit this subject.