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Debauched Monkeys Brawling and Boozing in a Dingy Tavern Painting
About the Item
This rare and exceptionally well-preserved oil on copper painting presents a raucous and theatrically detailed tavern scene, in which a cast of monkeys—standing in for mankind—engage in gleeful debauchery and barely contained chaos. At the center of the composition, two monkeys square off in a makeshift boxing ring, captured mid-swing with exaggerated expressions and clenched fists. Their audience, equally animated, erupts in cheers, laughter, and drunken gestures. One monkey slumps against a table, half-conscious; another blows smoke through curled lips, pipe in hand. Every figure is rendered with remarkable character and attention, their postures and expressions offering a rich narrative tapestry that invites prolonged viewing.
The painting is attributed to Edmund Bristow (1787–1876), a British artist known for his genre scenes and satirical works that often featured animals mimicking human behavior. Bristow was admired for his acute observational wit and moral commentary, and this piece stands among his more biting and humorous compositions. The work is based on a known lithograph by T. Fairland after Bristow’s design, but this example is unique: it is rendered in oil on copper, a rare and desirable medium that offers extraordinary surface luminosity and detail retention. The use of copper, rather than canvas or panel, reflects a certain degree of prestige and technical ambition—its smooth, non-absorbent surface allows for fine brushwork and a jewel-like quality to the pigments.
Scenes of anthropomorphic satire, particularly involving monkeys behaving as humans, were popular in both British and Continental art of the 18th and 19th centuries. They served as humorous yet pointed critiques of social vice, indulgence, and the absurdity of manners. In this example, the tavern becomes a stage for folly: a world where base instincts override civility, and animal impulses reflect all-too-familiar human weaknesses.
This painting would make a compelling addition to any collection of British satire, animalier art, or works exploring the intersection of humor and social commentary. It is not only a visual delight but also a conversation piece—rich with history, allegory, and technical merit.
Dimensions: Frame 18 x 20 in. Image 10 x 13 in. All measurements are approximate.
Condition
Overall good vintage condition. Signs of age and wear. Chips on the frame.
- Dimensions:Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)Width: 20 in (50.8 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Late 19th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7386245031192
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