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Message from Mary Ann Parker


First popularized in Flemish paintings in the 16th Century—Monkey art or ‘Singerie’ (satirical images of monkeys aping human behavior) became hugely popular among French artists in the early 18th century. Soon entire rooms in French castles were decorated with monkey motifs and the artistic style began to reflect the vogue of Chinoiserie (a fascination with Chinese style décor). This convergence of artistic styles eventually resulted in the Affenkapelle Ware (The Meissen Monkey Orchestra).