Monkey Orchestra

Designed in the mid-18th century by master modeller Johann Joachim Kaendler, the “Monkey Chapel” is an outstanding example of Meissen Baroque. The subject of singerie - depictions of monkeys imitating human behavior, often in a parodic manner - was very popular at the time, particularly in France. Entire rooms were decorated with these comical scenes, from the walls to the upholstery and carpets to the porcelain. Drawings by the famous French singerie painter Christophe Huet served as a model for this porcelain ensemble: monkey figures decorated in the Rococo style, skilfully assembled by hand and painted in great detail. The figurines were quickly returned to Paris from the manufactory's kilns. Madame de Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XV, acquired one of the very first “monkey chapels” in 1753.