19th Century Italian Yellow Marble Monkey Sculpture

This remarkable 19th-century sculpture, crafted in Italy during the first half of the century, depicts a monkey in a posture of profound psychological intensity. The work is carved from a monolithic block of yellow marble, whose honeyed tones and natural veining strongly suggest the use of the prestigious Giallo di Siena (Sienna Yellow), a stone highly prized during the Grand Tour era for its rarity and organic luminosity.

The sculptor has captured the animal's anthropomorphic expression with exemplary finesse. The sideways glance, furrowed brow, and hunched posture convey a sense of wariness or apprehension, typical of the naturalist movement that sought to explore animal emotions. The craftsmanship is distinguished by the textured rendering of the fur, which contrasts beautifully with the satin-polished finish of the face and hands. The tail curls suppley around a rugged rocky base, enhancing the scene's realism.

Standing 28 cm high, this piece is a refined example of Italian animalier sculpture. It is an ideal addition to a collection of Grand Tour art objects or as a focal point in an elegant cabinet of curiosities, blending the nobility of the material with superior technical execution.