What tells about the sins of people picture of Bruegel the Elder "Two monkeys on a chain"

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

In 1562 Bruegel painted a little-known painting "Two monkeys on a chain." Uncomplicated at first glance, it hides many interesting meanings: from the symbolism of human sins and stupidity, to political overtones. The symbolism of the shell is especially interesting.

In 1562 Bruegel painted a little-known painting "Two monkeys on a chain." In the foreground are two monkeys sitting on a chain in the opening of a low vaulted window. It is believed that these are monkeys - mangabei. Since Antwerp has the status of a port city, it is likely that the animals were taken out of their natural habitat by traders to the Flemish city. Bruegel the Elder was inspired by the magnificent work of the Italian painter Gentile da Fabriano, in whose iconic work "Adoration of the Magi" we can also see two monkeys - the Mangabey, who were brought with them by the wealthy Magi to the Christ Child. It is quite possible that Bruegel created his painting on the basis of this canvas.

Plot

The plot of the picture is based on two brown monkeys chained to one ring. They sit on a wide windowsill, behind which we see a beautiful landscape. The main figures of the canvas - animals and a chain - are painted in great detail and contrast. One of the monkeys looks directly at us, the second is carried away by something and has his back turned to us. It is not only the attitude towards us, the audience that is important here. But also the relationship of monkeys. They are hunched over, pinched, they do not look at each other. The monkeys do not stick together, they turned away from each other. The only thing that they have in common is a common bitterness, a lack of freedom, the very chain. Every detail speaks of the impossibility of finding freedom - the hopelessly bowed head of one monkey, the melancholic gaze of another monkey, postures of despair and drooping tails. Birds hovering over the sea create a clear contrast to these desperate animals, unable to find freedom.

For all the sinfulness of the plot, Bruegel, with artistic methods, mentally makes us feel sorry for these unfortunate animals who were brought to cold Antwerp from southern hot countries. They are uncomfortable, uncomfortable, cold. Almost human sadness enveloped the monkey's eyes. There is a feeling that they are lost in this mortal world. Yes, there are two of them, but they are completely disconnected.

Landscape

The landscape in the background is painted in soft gentle tones. This is the port city of Antwerp and its bay with sailing ships, towers and houses. Bruegel also depicted church towers and a windmill. The landscape is executed masterly and unpretentious. He is characterized by lightness, some melancholy, sadness, in contrast to the heaviness, monumentality and immobility of the walls and windowsill. Historians believe that the river in the picture is the Scheldt, and the window opening belongs to an ancient citadel south of Antwerp. Significant contrast: the monkeys and the inside of the window arch are painted in relatively dark colors, the artist shows the city in very light, almost pale colors with a large open sky. Two birds soar over the city, their freedom contrasted with captive monkeys. The artist signed his work BRVEGEL on the brickwork under the left monkey and dated the painting MDLXII (1562).

Symbolism

This work of Pieter Bruegel the Elder - like all his canvases - has deep symbolism. In this case, monkeys are the prototype of human vices - recklessness, debauchery and frivolity. The plot is a symbolic depiction of sin and low instincts. The chain that chained them was created to tame sin and low desires. An empty nut shell is all that remains of a past, bright, filled and now ruined life. The nutshell also has two symbols. On the one hand, the nutshell is a well-known motive of carnal sin, sin of lust, lust. Thus, sin is symbolically chained (sin is tamed).

On the other hand, cracked shells speak of the gluttony and stupidity of animals. Perhaps attracted by this food, they were caught. Accordingly, the monkeys themselves created their sad situation and exchanged freedom for the enjoyment of the fruit. With regard to people, this symbolism will be as follows - is it worth giving up freedom for the sake of obtaining dubious benefits?

There is an interesting interpretation of monkeys under a round arch, which was proposed by art critic Kelly Grovier. According to her, Bruegel, inspired by the work of Gentile da Fabriano, used the chain as an attribute of the madness of people (madness is to fetter oneself and others).

Another art critic, Margaret A. Sullivan of Montana State University, argues that the two monkeys are viewed as an allegory for stupid sinners. And their imprisonment in a chain is the result of an immoderate attitude towards material wealth. A. Sullivan believes that the left monkey symbolizes greed and greed, and the right one - extravagance.

The political overtones of the picture

The topic of freedom and imprisonment can have political implications. Both monkeys are interpreted as citizens of Antwerp in chains who were imprisoned by the Spaniards under King Philip II. The long tails of the monkeys can also be seen as a reference to a longstanding dispute with the Spaniards. In addition, there is a linguistic affinity between the word seigneurie "rule" and the Brabant term songie "monkey grimace" - a symbol of political ape theater.

Yes, you can find a lot of different and curious interpretations about monkeys in chains and shells. Whatever the symbolism conceived by the talented artist Brueghel, the picture is an integral part of the magnificent heritage of the author.