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Albrecht Dürer
German, 1471–1528
This engraving has always held a special appeal, both because of the delicate charm of Mary’s demeanor, and because of the exotic character of the monkey chained at her feet. In works of art of this period, monkeys signified attributes of human behavior such as lust or greed, and were also seen as representing evil or the devil. It has been suggested that here the monkey is shown as a contrast to the Virgin, signifying the victory of spiritual purity over mankind’s baser instincts. The chained monkey may also be an allusion to Eve, again in contrast to the Virgin and her role in vanquishing original sin. The serene and somber expression of the monkey contrasts markedly with the agitation of the bird, which flaps its wings in distress as the Infant firmly grasps its legs. The bird is commonly interpreted as an allusion to the human soul, in this situation probably captive and subject to the will of God. See "Faith and Humanism: Engravings and Woodcuts by Albrecht Durer," exh. cat. (Montgomery: Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 2002), 56.
German, 1471–1528
Madonna with the Monkey
about 1498
Object Type:
Print
Creation Place:
Northern Europe, German
Dimensions:
7 7/16 in. x 4 13/16 in. (18.89 cm x 12.22 cm)
Medium and Support:
Engraving on paper
Accession Number:
2001.0010
Credit Line:
Gift of the Weil Print Endowment in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Weil, Sr.
This engraving has always held a special appeal, both because of the delicate charm of Mary’s demeanor, and because of the exotic character of the monkey chained at her feet. In works of art of this period, monkeys signified attributes of human behavior such as lust or greed, and were also seen as representing evil or the devil. It has been suggested that here the monkey is shown as a contrast to the Virgin, signifying the victory of spiritual purity over mankind’s baser instincts. The chained monkey may also be an allusion to Eve, again in contrast to the Virgin and her role in vanquishing original sin. The serene and somber expression of the monkey contrasts markedly with the agitation of the bird, which flaps its wings in distress as the Infant firmly grasps its legs. The bird is commonly interpreted as an allusion to the human soul, in this situation probably captive and subject to the will of God. See "Faith and Humanism: Engravings and Woodcuts by Albrecht Durer," exh. cat. (Montgomery: Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 2002), 56.
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