Monkey what does the symbol mean. Monkey symbolism

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Year: 1944,1956,1968, 1980,1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Time of day: 15:00-17:00
Zodiac Symbol: Gemini
Motto: "I'm curious"
Element (element) of the sign: Metal-yang
Direction: west - southwest
White color
Gemstone: Olivine
Feast traditions: vegetables and meat with lots of spices Monkey is the ninth sign of the eastern horoscope. She personifies resourcefulness, intelligence and curiosity, and at the same time, frivolity and vanity.

The natural element of the Monkey is Metal, whose Yin and Yang qualities are in relative balance, but since the nature of the Monkey sign is yang, in people born in the year of the Monkey, in to a greater extent activity and a tendency to create are manifested.

The sign of the Monkey in all its manifestations (year, season, time of day) corresponds to White color(bye). In Chinese tradition, white represents the West and, in accordance with Western symbolism, is associated with death - in China, white is the color of mourning, mourning clothes and funeral related items. In the Taoist system of images, white color has a different meaning - it conveys the idea of ​​emptiness as a defining property of the Tao, personifies the purity of its comprehension and the spiritual quest of the individual.

In the European tradition, a contemptuous attitude towards a monkey is a symbol of debauchery, drunkenness, shamelessness and lust. In the East, on the contrary, the monkey has a fairly high symbolic status. In southern China and Tibet, families proudly traced their ancestry to monkey ancestors who allegedly kidnapped women and had children with them. Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who incarnated as the Dalai Lama, originally appeared in the form of a sacred monkey, from whose marriage the six ancestors of the people of Tibet descended.

In India, monkeys are treated with special respect and patience, and the most famous is the gulman monkey (Presbytis entellus), which is revered as a divine monkey. Monkey King Hanuman is one of the central characters ancient Indian epic "Ramayana". In China, the monkey is revered in the form of Sun Wukong. Some scientists believe that Sun-Wukong is the Chinese version of Hanuman, and there is some truth in this, but there is also a very significant difference - unlike Hanuman, Sun-Wukong did not receive divine abilities at birth; he decided to become immortal through spiritual improvement and succeeded in this.

IN Ancient China the monkey was definitely a positive symbol. Although it was also considered a vessel of dark unconscious forces, their energy could, in certain situations, do good to a person. Therefore, in China, the monkey was credited with the ability to protect people, ensure their health and success.

In Japan, many people are associated with monkeys folk beliefs, for example, belief in werewolves (hengeekai). Monkeys can also be werewolves - they are called Saru. When they transform into humans, the monkeys look like older people, very smart and knowledgeable, but somewhat strange. They love big companies, and in some legends they even saved people just to communicate with them. Saru gets angry but quickly moves away. In addition, in medieval Japan, the monkey was considered the guardian spirit of horses.

People born in the year of the Monkey

They believe that people born in the year of the Monkey are smart, well-read, and are constantly aware of all events. The monkey wants to know as much as possible, he has read everything, knows an infinite number of things, is aware of everything that is happening. She has an excellent memory and can easily remember the smallest details of what she saw, read or heard. People born this year love to learn and teach. They can obtain information in any way and always try to keep abreast of all interesting events and topics. A good memory and the ability to extract knowledge from any source of information allow them to successfully operate with their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Don't try to argue - the last word will still remain with them. The monkey is very cunning and can fool anyone if desired. However, at the same time, as a rule, she does not have selfish intentions, she follows the call of her nature, she is cunning, so to speak, out of love for art.

The main quality of people born in the year of the Monkey is their insatiable curiosity, and this quality largely determines her life. Intelligent and capable, they are excellent performers in all areas that require intelligence and awareness. Monkeys are independent, do not attach importance to external regalia and are ready to laugh at anyone; there are no authorities for them. It is almost impossible to suggest anything to the Monkey; he will always remain unconvinced. Outwardly, she is friendly and frivolous, although she is always on her own mind.

No one can get out of difficult life circumstances better than a monkey. Monkeys do not strive to become leaders because they are not ready to take responsibility for other people; they consider most of them inferior to themselves intellectual development. The Monkey's sophisticated mind sometimes pushes it to weave intrigues, enter into conspiracies and even circumvent the law.

People around him consider the Monkey to be a sociable, cheerful and friendly person who easily gets along with people and gets along well with everyone. In part, this is true, but in no case should we recklessly take this at face value. In fact, the monkey has a low opinion of others. She enjoys observing people and often uses her observations to manipulate people to her advantage. However, the Monkey manages to fool those around him and cleverly hide his true intentions behind a mask of participation.

Despite the apparent openness and simplicity, the Monkey is quite secretive; she carefully hides her personal problems and true attitude towards people. The real Monkey, hidden behind many masks and guises, is not known or recognized by anyone.

Knowledge, good memory and the ability to adapt to circumstances make the Monkey a valuable worker in any place. Because she loves to learn, she can pick up new skills easily and quickly. She works quickly, efficiently, and inventively. She is eloquent and smart. This is a gifted speaker who knows how to use his talents. Monkeys earn money easily and spend it easily. They are not able to save - money literally burns their pockets. However, sometimes they manage to put something aside for a rainy day.

2016 is the year of the Monkey. Among the 12 animals, the monkey is considered one of the smartest. IN folk culture In China, the monkey is loved and revered.

Since ancient times in China there has been a very rich culture officials. Monkey in Chinese - hou - is consonant with the name of the hereditary title of the nobility of the second of the five highest classes - marquis. Therefore, people dreamed of being promoted and given the title of hou, and hoped for a prosperous career. Thus, since then, the monkey has become a symbol of good omen and wealth. Even more interesting is that the Chinese considered monkeys to be intelligent animals that understand human feelings. According to ancient records, monkeys even served in the imperial court.

In the Shandong province in eastern China there is a stone sculpture depicting three monkeys in different poses: one of them covers his mouth with his hands, another covers his ears, and the third covers his eyes. In fact, these animal figures warn of the need for officials to follow Confucian teachings and strictly adhere to official protocol. “You cannot speak, listen or see something that does not correspond to etiquette.” Only by adhering to these rules can you receive an appointment and live in wealth and honor.

During the reign of the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was quite common to see paintings that depicted monkeys on horseback watching the flight of bees; such works meant the “imminent assignment of the title of hou.” In modern times it became more pictures with monkeys.

Following the development of monkey culture, idiomatic expressions, sayings and proverbs associated with this animal appeared.

In addition, many paintings, paper cuttings, sculptures and artistic products in the form of monkeys.

Monkey culture is also evident in Chinese martial arts. The monkey style gets its name from its movements, which are similar to those of this animal. According to historical records that have survived to this day, the monkey style appeared during the Han Dynasty, now in the course of performances of various species martial art throughout the country, monkey style is an integral part. In the Shaolin fist fighting technique and in the southern styles of Wushu in Guangdong Province, monkey movements can also be traced.

In the vast territory of Central China, where the Han people live, ancient tradition veneration and respect for the monkey. For example, at temple fairs in Huaiyang County, Zhoukou City, Henan Province, from the second day of the second month to the third day of the third month according to the lunar calendar, clay toys, which are called "hereditary monkeys". These figures are made in the form of a revered spirit with a crown on his head. The animal's facial expression is majestic and serious. The lower part of the monkey’s body depicts a symbol of female fertility; the animal was revered by people as the founder of the clan.

On the stone balusters in many temples there are various images of monkeys. “Stone monkey” in Chinese – shihou – is consonant with “time”, it means adaptation to climate change, portends Good times and good luck. Since ancient times, people have said: “When the stone monkey (good times) knocks on the door, then the year will be calm.”

Usually, during New Year celebrations, people would give monkey amulet to children. According to legend, a monkey protects a child in childhood and endows him with abilities and talent in mature age. IN village families in the provinces of Shanxi and Shaanxi, a small stone figurine of a monkey is often tied to six or seven month old children so that the child learns to crawl.

People also say that children born in the year of the Monkey are lucky in everything. Although this claim has no scientific basis, many Chinese couples choose the Year of the Monkey to have children.

Sun Wukong: Classic Monkey Image

Creator classic look Monkeys in Chinese literature became a writer who lived and worked during the Ming Dynasty, Wu Cheng'en. His novel Journey to the West features the Monkey King Sun Wukong. Born from a magic stone, Sun Wukong has amazing skill; the Taoist teacher who took him as a student taught him 72 transformations. After causing trouble in the Heavenly Halls, he was imprisoned by the Buddha under the Five Elements Mountain. Subsequently, Sun Wukong, together with the half-human pig Zhu Bajie, the monk Sha Wujing, accompanying the Buddhist monk and scholar Xuanzang, went to the West (India) to obtain the sutras. On the way to the West they fought with evil spirits, overcame 81 obstacles and adversities, and finally returned to China with the sutras. As a reward for his diligence, the Western Paradise Buddha appointed Sun Wukong as the All-Conquering Buddha. Under the pen of Wu Cheng'en, the monkey king Sun Wukong became the embodiment of justice and synonymous with the best. Today, the character of Sun Wukong is familiar to every Chinese, moreover, he is also known to the world.

Sun Wukong is not afraid of anyone or anything, so he dared to threaten the Sea Dragon King of the Eastern Sea, create a commotion in Hell, and then in the Heavenly Palace, in addition, he argued with Buddha. All this indicates that Sun Wukong is a rebel, he does not intend to tolerate coercion, and is not ready to adhere to established patterns. His fearless spirit, loyalty and optimism allowed him not to be afraid of difficulties and to boldly face challenges. Sun Wukong has the qualities of a hero.

As is obvious, the monkey had a profound influence on China. The image of this animal expresses the wishes of the people for well-being, happiness, longevity and good luck.

The editors of the Renminwan website congratulate you on the New Year of the Monkey and wish all readers prosperity, happiness and good luck.

", tattoos with these comic characters suit every personality and style. If you like this article, be sure to add this educational site to your browser bookmarks so as not to lose us in the ocean of the Internet.

Monkey are cheerful, energetic and witty little creatures who have strong ties to many religious groups. One Buddhist legend says that before Buddha ascended to heaven, he invited all the animals in the world to join him. Unfortunately, only twelve accepted this offer, and the Buddha rewarded them by naming all the signs of the Zodiac. Monkey is the ninth sign of the Chinese calendar, and the next Year of the Monkey - 2028 year.
However, before you continue, I advise you to pay close attention to a couple of my popular publications on the topic of tattooing. For example, what does a Lizard Tattoo mean? what is Kiwi Tattoo; what does Hippopotamus Tattoo mean? meaning of Goat Tattoo, etc.
So let's continue Meaning of Monkey Tattoo?

The monkey was assigned to accompany the monk carrying the holy teachings of the Buddha. The keen mind and courageous spirit of the animal protected the monk from demons, helping him spread the sacred teachings of the Buddha in different corners peace. Thus, monkeys are seen as messengers of the gods and protectors.

Monkey also symbolize Repentance and Salvation. In Buddhism, one of the first steps on the path to Enlightenment involves calming the restless "monkey mind" through meditation.

There is sometimes intense debate over the controversial use of primates in various scientific experiments. Because these animals are considered to be humans' closest genetic relatives, they are test subjects in space exploration programs and clinical trials that are considered unsafe for humans. However, many animal activists continue to lobby for their rights.

The meaning of the Monkey tattoo

• Intelligence and wit
• Protection
• Fertility
• Harmony
• Justice
• Spirituality.

Monkey tattoo design options

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On February 8, 2016, the Year of the Monkey comes into its own.

Opinions regarding the monkey are quite sharply and clearly divided along the East-West mental line. In the countries of the East, especially in Egypt, India and China, the monkey symbolizes wisdom, courage, dexterity and dedication. In the religion of many peoples of the East, the monkey was revered as a sacred animal. In Egypt, the baboon was seen as a symbol of wisdom, in China, the female gibbon personified maternal care, and in Japan, the toy monkey is still considered a children's amulet.

It’s a different matter in the West, where the monkey has become the main character of caustic fables and an ugly caricature of man. For Europeans, the monkey personified such vicious human qualities as stupidity, vanity, imbalance, greed, laziness and lust, and in relation to a woman - also coquetry, curiosity, frivolity and talkativeness.

David Teniers the Younger (1610, Antwerp - 1690, Brussels) Guardroom with Monkeys

Monkeys, exotic animals from distant lands, were common in Western Europe already from the early Middle Ages. Documents testify to this, and monkeys are found quite often in the visual arts. What attracted people and artists so much to these animals? What place do they occupy among symbols and what do they tell art fans?

David Teniers the Younger. Monkey Festival

Europe was captured by primates - this is the conclusion that arises when you look at the illustrations of ancient manuscripts and paintings by old masters. And this is partly true. In the thirteenth century, monkeys even lived at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris! Trained in “courtly manners” and the art of tournament fighting, animals were often taken by histrions (wandering buffoons) for the amusement of the common people.

In Medieval Europe, domesticated monkeys were kept at royal courts and in rich houses as an attribute of wealth. The animals lived in monasteries and even churches.

Despite the popularity of these funny animals, the church did not have reverence for them. The roots of such a negative attitude go back to early Christianity, when in Ancient Egypt (“the land of darkness” from which, according to the Old Testament, Moses fled) they worshiped the god Thoth in the form of a baboon.

In 391, in Alexandria, after the pogrom of the pagans, Christians left only one statue of the sacred baboon in order to be able to demonstrate the idols of the “infidels” to the whole world. With the establishment of Christianity, the monkey became a recognized enemy of the church, and in sermons the words “devil” and “monkey” were sometimes used as synonyms.

Medieval morality stigmatized innocent animals for centuries, giving them a clear role. Among the early European miniatures (15th century) the plot of the creation of animals by God is known. All animals are usually located on the left side of the Lord. Moreover, the mythical unicorn was always depicted first - the favorite of the Almighty, who holds this slender, benevolent animal by the mouth (there is an opinion that the unicorn personified Christ, and its horn - the cross, the sacrificial death of the savior). Further on the left are other animals. And only one monkey is to the right of God. At the same time, the unicorn and the monkey are spatially placed on the same plane, thus personifying the antagonism of the forces of good and evil.

In Lukas Moser’s painting “Mary and Child,” as well as in his “Last Communion of Mary Magdalene” (altarpiece), a monkey was specially introduced as the antipode of the bright and pure image of Christ.

LUCAS MOSER. The Journey of Mary Magdalene. External wing of the altar of St. Mary Magdalene. 1431. Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Tiefenborn (Germany)

This is the same meaning of the “Madonna with the Monkey” by the great Albrecht Durer: a baby sits in his arms with a bird, the monkey is located on the other side, of course, at the feet of the Mother of God, again, as a contrast.

Albrecht Durer. Madonna and the Monkey

Hans Baldung. Virgin and Child

In I. Meckenem's painting "Ecce Homo" a monkey is chained to the bars of a prison window and placed on foreground on the same line with Christ, but opposite him. Here she is not only his sinful opposite, but also some kind of involvement in the throne of the pagan tyrant Pontius Pilate.

Israel von Meckenem. Ecce Homo

Even St. Augustine the Blessed in the 4th century. from the Nativity of Christ preached that the devil is “God’s monkey”: insidious, cruel, merciless and lustful. The last property of primates has gained particular popularity. Even Dream Books published in the 9th-13th centuries interpreted the appearance of a monkey in a dream as a sign of the upcoming “Pleasantness”.

The allegory of the image of a monkey - the embodiment of the sin of lust, can be traced in many stories.

Frans Franken the Younger. Man makes a choice between Virtue and Sin

The Renaissance is characterized by a desire to multiply meanings and connect fairly distant levels of perception. The Renaissance inherited the taste for symbolism from the late Middle Ages, but at the same time a certain transformation of perception took place: the Middle Ages sought to build a hierarchy of meanings, ascending from the literal meaning through allegory to the moral, and then anagogical meaning, which, using Dante’s formula, “expresses the highest things through signified things.” , involved eternal glory", while the Renaissance preferred the juxtaposition of meanings. The medieval perception sought to organize itself as a temple, the Renaissance - as a cabinet of curiosities, where objects interact with each other, “nod” at each other, but at the same time remain quite autonomous.

How ambiguous the animal symbols found in the paintings of Renaissance artists is shown by the plot associated with the images of the monkey.

In Stefano di Giovanni’s painting “The Journey of the Magi”, in front of the caravan with the gifts of Gaspard, Melchior and Balthasar, a monkey sits on the back of one of the horses. It is possible that the author wanted to emphasize the exotic nature of the offering to the infant Christ. But, given the active use of symbolic language in sacred painting, it is most likely that the defenseless monkey means the sensual, animal nature of man, which now, with the birth of the Savior, is destined to bow before Him.

Stefano di Giovanni. Journey of the Magi (C. 1435)

This thesis is easily recognized in the central panel of the triptych in the Church of Gummarus in Lira (Belgium) by Gossen van der Weyden (1516). In the scene of the wedding of the Virgin Mary, in the lower left corner there is a monkey hugging a dog,

Gossen Van Den Weyden "The Marriage of the Virgin Mary"

This can be confirmed by the “Crucifixion” (c. 1480-1495, Uffizi Gallery), created by the Master of the Virgin among Virgins (Virgo inter Virgines). An unusual detail is woven into the traditional iconography of the Crucifixion: a monkey sits next to the skull at the foot of the Cross.

Master of the Virgin among the Virgins (Virgo inter Virgines). Crucifixion.(C. 1480-1495. Uffizi Gallery)

Traditional iconography is intended to remind the viewer: the blood from the Savior’s wounds is poured onto Adam’s skull, washing away Original Sin. The Master of the Virgin among the virgins takes another step towards the ultimate visualization of the doctrine of Salvation: the atonement of Original Sin gives a person the opportunity to free himself from the temptations of this world, where he was nothing more than a play of passions, a hostage of his fallen nature, which pushed him around, like the one depicted by the artist a monkey rolling the skull of the Forefather of humanity.

In the 16th century the monkey began to appear frequently in the scene of the fall of Adam and Eve, although according to the Bible its presence is not provided for in this episode. However, if we think logically: who else, if not the unceremonious monkey with her lust, addiction to fruits, who else, if not her, would provoke the first humans to taste the forbidden fruit! The baboon's outright fertility, so valued by the ancients, has now become one of the “proofs” of sinfulness coming from the devil.

Cornelis van Haarlem. The Fall (1592, State Museum, Amsterdam)

It is not surprising that in the scene of the Fall by Jan Gossaert (c. 1525) we find a monkey sitting at the foot of the Tree of Knowledge behind Adam. True, she eats a pear, as if parodying the violation of the prohibition of eating from the Fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

Adam and Eve (c. 1525, Staatliche Museen, Berlin)

Thus, with the advent of the Renaissance, in the 16th century, the official persecution of monkeys by clergy weakened. Either sexuality had already ceased to be a mortal sin, or the life-giving spirit of the Renaissance was able to deal a crushing blow to obscurantism, but images of monkeys appeared even in cathedrals (though extremely rarely) in Cologne, London, and Mons. It is from these times that the monkey is increasingly not the devil, but his victim, a sinner, a fallen angel. And in the mysteries, the monkey already represented the state of a person before the soul entered him.

The restless disposition of the monkeys brought their owners a lot of trouble. The French remembered for a long time how, in the 1288th century, monkeys climbed into the courthouse of the Duchy of Burgundy and destroyed the entire archive. To avoid similar cases They simply began to keep the “robbers” in chains. Even Queen Isabella of Bavaria's monkey was chained to a wooden bowl. But the artists saw didactic potential in this image. And now a wooden block means worldly pleasures, and an innocent animal deprived of freedom means “tamed sin.” The monkey chained to the deck by Gossen van der Weyden then personifies “sin chained by virtue.”

Hendrik Goltzius. Monkey on a chain, seated. (Amsterdam, 1597)

A kind of parallel to the described range of symbolic meanings that the monkey was endowed with in Renaissance painting can be the emblem from Jacob Tipotius’s collection “Symbola divina et humana...” (“Divine and Human Symbols...”, 1601). Tipotius depicts a monkey sitting on a chain, the motto assigned to the emblem reads: “Exacverant dentas suos” (“Sharpen their teeth”),

Jacob Tipoty. Symbola divina et humana pontificum, imperatorum, regum (Divine and human symbols...). Prague, 1601

and the explanatory inscription says - “Simiae immundi animalis, qua capitur Genius Luxuriae” (“Monkeys, unclean animals, which are captivated by the Spirit of Lust”). But if Dürer’s chained monkey symbolized “tamed sin,” then Tipotius gave this image the exact opposite meaning, and it personifies “attachment to sin.”

Note: the content of a symbol very much depends on the context, and the more clearly it is defined, the more details there are in this context, the tougher the field for an unambiguous interpretation. Symbols are not amenable to “alphabetical reading”, but are subject to the rules of a certain “semantic syntax”. An example of this is the engraving on title page the works of the English philosopher Robert Fludd (1574 - 1637) “Tractatus secundus de naturae simia seu macrocosmi historia” (Second treatise on the natural ape, or history of the macrocosm - lat.), published in Oppenheim in 1618.

Fludd Robert, Tractatus secundus de naturae simia seu technica macrocosmi historia in partes undicis divisa...Francofurti: sumptibus haeredum Johannis Theodori de Bry, Typis Caspari Rötelii, 1624

In the engraving we see a circle drawn into 11 sectors, the symbolic images in which correspond to one of the books in the first part of the treatise, dedicated to the application of mathematics to various areas knowledge: "De Arithmetica Militari" (On the mathematics of war. - lat.), "De Arithmetica Musica" (On the mathematics of music. - lat.), "De Arithmetica Astronomica et Astrologica" (On the mathematics of astronomy and astrology. - lat. ), "De Arithmetica Memoriali" (On the Mathematics of Memory - Latin). In the center of the circle there is a monkey with a pointer. This image refers to the sensory nature of knowledge, defended by Fludd, and the engraving itself is something of a pictorial annotation to the treatise.

The laconicism of the composition allows it to become a repository of the most different meanings. A striking example of this is the famous “Two Monkeys” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1562) from the collection of the Dahlem Gallery in Berlin.

Most art critics are inclined to interpret the painting as an allegory of a man enslaved by passions, no longer even striving for freedom, but content with a “pathetic feast of three nuts” that embody earthly blessings.

P. Bruegel. Two monkeys" (1562)

Two animals, chained to one ring, sit, facing away from each other, in the arch of a window overlooking a sea bay with ships. A pair of birds that soar in the air above the sea provide a marked contrast to the monkeys doomed to captivity. One of the monkeys is turned with its muzzle towards the viewer, but its gaze is directed somewhere past: slightly to the side and down, the other sits, facing the sea, but does not look at it, but at its own feet, and its hunched pose expresses apathy and hopelessness . Next to the monkeys, in the window opening, there are empty shells from which nuts have been shelled. This work of Bruegel evoked a lot of interpretations: it was interpreted as a reflection of the contradiction between the free harmony of nature and the tragic selfishness of man, and as a contrast between the base and spiritual sides of human nature, and as a reflection of the limitations of human existence. Perhaps the closest person to interpreting “The Monkeys” was Horst Waldemar Janson, who views the painting as a symbol of man’s position in this world, when, enslaved by passions, he no longer even strives for freedom, but is content with a “pathetic feast of three nuts” that embody creature comforts. This creature, committed to the meager pleasures of this world, can only evoke pity: we're talking about no longer about sinfulness, but about inner doom and melancholy - and complete oblivion of what freedom is.

The motif of freedom given by a monkey for a nutshell is played out in one of the emblems in the book “Silenus Alcibiadis, sive Proteus” (Alcibiades Silenus, that is, Proteus - lat.), published by the Dutch poet and diplomat Jacob Katz and engraver Adrian van de Venne in 1618 For each emblem, the reader was offered three types of interpretative explanations: loving interpretation, moral and religious. The XLI emblem that interests us depicts four monkeys dancing in a circle to the tune of a bagpiper, and at the same time distracted from the dance in order to pick up nuts from the ground, which are poured out to them from the sky, from the cloud, by the “hand of Providence.”

Jacob Katz. Silenus Alcibiadis, sive Proteus (Alkibiadov Silenus, that is, Proteus). Midelburg, 1618. Embl. XLI.

The emblem is preceded by the motto: "Furentem quid delubra avant?" (What good does a madman benefit from entreaties? - lat.).

In the “love part”, as an explanation of the emblem, a verse from Seneca’s Phaedra is given: Amor per coelum volat Regnumque tantum minimus in superos habet (Love from heaven sends, So small that he rules the great), taken from the following context:

Yes, to give free rein to vile vice,
Love called voluptuousness god,
Giving madness an imaginary divinity.
So, it means that the son will wander all over the earth
Sends Eritsin, so that from heaven he
With a gentle hand he showered daring arrows,
And the least of all gods is the strongest god!
All, all the empty thoughts of mad souls:
Bow of the son, power of the divine mother.

Seneca. Phaedra. 195 - 203 Per. S. Osherova

These lines are followed by a poem by Jacob Katz himself in Dutch, telling about a young man who hurried to church to thank God for saving him from the arrows of Cupid, which made the poor man suffer, but met a sweet girl along the way, and was so carried away by her that he forgot about good intentions, like “a monkey who forgets the rhythm of the dance every time he sees nuts thrown at his feet.” In the “moral part” there is a verse from the 2nd Satire of Persia: “O curvae in terris animae” (O souls steeped in earthly things and incapable of heavenly things!), followed by a quotation from the Epistle to the Hebrews, calling: “ lest there be among you any fornicator or wicked man, who, like Esau, would give up his birthright for one meal" (Heb. 12:16). And finally, in the “religious part” there are verses from the “Book of Job”: “You see, God does not reject the blameless and does not support the hands of evildoers” (Job 8:20) and from the Gospel of Matthew: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and righteousness Him, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). Thus, the emblem sharply contrasts commitment to earthly - love - joys and righteousness and likens lustful people to monkeys, emphasizing the animal nature of passion.

Based on the above, it is not difficult to decipher the meaning contained in the “Portrait of Prince Edward” by Hans Holbein (1541-1542): the monkey in the arms of the young Prince of Wales indicates that he is in perfect control of his passions, although he is almost still a child.

HOLBEIN, Hans the Younger. Edward, Prince of Wales, with Monkey (1541-42, Kunstmuseum, Öffentliche Kunstsammlung, Basle)

And Katerina of Aragon, in all likelihood, also demonstrates the ability to restrain emotions and desires.

Anglo-Flemish School, (16th century). Portrait of Queen Catherine of Aragon, early 1530s

Portrait of a Young Nobleman with a Monkey and a Dog (c.1615 Flemish School)

The monkey, as tamed sinfulness, can also be found in Hals Dirk’s painting “Fete Champetre” (“Feast in Nature”, 1627). A cheerful company is relaxing, sitting at the table and playing music. However, the center of this entire picturesque group is... a monkey chained to a chair - an undoubted personification of bridled sensuality.

Dirk Hals. Fete Champetre (1627)

Frans Franken the Younger

BERCHEM, Nicolaes. Merchant Receiving a Moor in the Harbor (Gemäldegalerie, Dresden)

David Teniers the Younger (1610, Antwerp - 1690, Brussels) Die fünf Sinne

It is also noteworthy that the image of a monkey in chains, as a symbol of sin bound by virtue, is present in many medieval paintings, one way or another related to the theme of marriage. They also depict a dog as a symbol of fidelity.

Jan Minze Molenaar. Allegory of marital fidelity. (1633. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond)

Teniers David the Younger (1610-1690) Der Maler mit seiner Familie

True, depending on the context, this image is sometimes given the exact opposite meaning - “voluntary commitment to sin.” It is no wonder that in the 15th century even the word “monkey” in Europe was used as a synonym for “loose woman,” and the animals themselves became a traditional accessory of Italian courtesans. Kings and dukes gave their favorites monkeys - a souvenir not without subtext!

The image of a monkey as the embodiment of the sin of lust and sensual licentiousness gained popularity in the Netherlands and Holland. painting XVI- XVII centuries Confirmation of this can be seen in the paintings of Peter Gerrits van Roystraten (“Loose Chefs”, “The Proposal”): an unceremonious monkey looks under the skirt of a young woman.

Pieter Gerritsz Roestraten. The Sleeping Kitchen Maid, (c. 1665)

Peter Gerrits van Rooystraten. Offer

Brugghen, Hendrick Ter (1588-1629). Bacchante with an Ape, 1627 (oil on canvas 102.9x89.2 cm). J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

Huysmans, Jacob (c.1633-96) (attr. to). John Wilmot (1647-80) 2nd Earl of Rochester (c.1665-70.Warwick Castle, Warwickshire)
In the portrait of the famous poet of the Restoration period, hero-lover, jester and theatrical patron of the arts, warrior and murderer, coward and syphilitic, or John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester, who spent his entire life struggling with his passions, a monkey is more than appropriate

Man has always suffered from high self-esteem, and the animals deified in the East frightened Europeans with their obvious similarity to them. Which is not surprising, since we belong to the same order of mammals! But this little fidgety creature also behaves like a parody of a person: it makes faces and skillfully imitates. In Europe (unlike the East), no one ever thought of a comparison: you are smart as a monkey or handsome. Instead, she was made the main character of caustic fables, an ugly caricature, the personification of human vices - such as stupidity, vanity, greed and laziness, plus coquetry, curiosity, frivolity and talkativeness, if we are talking about a woman.

What if it’s about an artist? Monkey's ability to imitate, starting from the Middle Ages, gave reason to make her a unique symbol of painting and sculpture. The fact is that the artist’s art has long been perceived as the skill of copying the surrounding world. The Latin aphorism “Ars simia naturae” (“Art is the monkey of nature”) especially appealed to the artists of the 17th century.

Teniers David the Younger (1610-1690) Monkey artist (1660, Prado Museum, Madrid)

Follower of Ferdinand van Kessel (1648-1696) Le singe peintre

In anthropomorphic subjects, artists saw a safe opportunity to make fun of people. And in political satire, animals, and the monkey, in particular, began to play a prominent role.

Brueghel, Jan the Younger (1601-78). A Satire of the Folly of Tulip Mania

College of Animals (Animal School) (Dallas Museum of Art, Texas)

Cornelis Saftleven (1607, Gorinchem - 1681, Rotterdam)Satire on the trial of Johan van Oldenbarneveldt (1663, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam)

Cornelis Saftleven (1607, Gorinchem - 1681, Rotterdam)An Enchanted Cellar with Animals (1663, J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles)

The monkey became man's alter ego, the embodiment of his worst sinful qualities and best case scenario- his innocent weaknesses. Flemish masters in the 17th century. they even created a special genre of so-called “monkey feasts” (Simmenfeest). Its origins included, among other things, Jan Brueghel the Elder (Velvet). Frans Franken worked a lot with the subject under consideration

Frans Franken the Younger. Monkeys play backgammon

and David Teniers the Younger. For example, in the painting “Monkeys in the Kitchen,” a clear hierarchical ladder is visible as in a satirical cast of people’s lives. The leader sits on a stool, towering over his fellow tribesmen. The conspirators were hiding behind him. Everything about them is somehow completely human!

Teniers David the Younger (1610-1690). Monkeys in the kitchen (c. 1645, Hermitage, St. Petersburg)

Kessel, Ferdinand van (1648-96). A monkey smoking and drinking with an owl (c 1685)

Kessel, Ferdinand van (1648-96). A Tavern Interior with Monkeys drinking and smoking

Teniers, Abraham (1629-70). The Smoking Room with Monkeys (Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna)

Teniers, Abraham (1629-70). Barber's shop with Monkeys and Cats (Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria)

The monkey's vanity has also become notorious, especially in the context of skepticism about the human desire to know everything. In the picture unknown artist The Flemish school “Connoisseurs in a Room with Pictures” (1620) depicts a fictional private gallery. Rich buyers carefully examine the paintings. But where and why did the monkey appear in the window? The monkey is a symbol of the stupidity of human efforts, the futility of striving for earthly knowledge: instead of idly looking at wonders, people should spend time in prayer and preparation for eternal life- the author believes.

FRANCKEN Frans II. An Antique Dealers Gallery

Starting from the Renaissance, with the advent of fashion for the allegory of the five senses in humanistic circles, the monkey often acted as an attribute of... taste!

Jan Brueghel the Elder: Allegory of the Five Senses (figures of Hendrick I van Balen) (1617-18)

By the end of the 18th century, with the establishment of a majestic academic style in painting, the fashion for paintings with humanized monkeys passed away.

Anton Nesterov. Fragment of the article “My Age, My Beast...”, or about symbolic thinking and animalistic codes in connection with portraits of the 16th - 17th centuries.

Monkey

Hanuman, the monkey god playing with the peaches of immortality (from a Chinese dish)

The symbolism of the monkey is controversial. Most often, the monkey personifies sin, in particular physical sin. She is also a symbol of cunning, deceit, desire for luxury, malice, laziness (due to her angular movements), drunkenness, and sometimes a symbol of learning. The monkey (along with the white elephant and cow) is the third sacred animal in India. Even now, insulting a monkey by action causes great resentment among religious people. In Japan, the cry of a monkey is a symbol of deep melancholy. Carvings three monkeys are considered in the East as a talisman that protects against slander.