Which Rococo ornament depicts monkeys as subjects?

Which Rococo ornament depicts monkeys as subjects?

• A. Singerie
• B. Chinoiserie
• C. Rocaille
• D. Fretwork

Answer: (A)

Singerie is the term for Rococo decoration that features monkeys depicted as subjects, often dressed in human clothes and engaging in human activities. This playful, satirical motif was popular in 18th‑century decorative arts such as furniture, porcelain, wallpaper, and paintings, fitting the Rococo love of whimsy and social satire. Chinoiserie, by contrast, centers on Chinese-inspired motifs and forms rather than monkeys as subjects. Rocaille describes the characteristic rock-and-shell scrolling ornament, not a subject matter. Fretwork refers to decorative pierced or lattice patterns, again focusing on technique rather than a specific theme.

Singerie is the term for Rococo decoration that features monkeys depicted as subjects, often dressed in human clothes and engaging in human activities. This playful, satirical motif was popular in 18th‑century decorative arts such as furniture, porcelain, wallpaper, and paintings, fitting the Rococo love of whimsy and social satire.

Chinoiserie, by contrast, centers on Chinese-inspired motifs and forms rather than monkeys as subjects. Rocaille describes the characteristic rock-and-shell scrolling ornament, not a subject matter. Fretwork refers to decorative pierced or lattice patterns, again focusing on technique rather than a specific theme.