Monkey Contemplating a Human Skull in a Landscape [reverse]

1909

Karl Goetz

Associated Names
Karl Goetz

Artist, German, 1875 - 1950

The sculpture depicts a monkey seated in a contemplative pose on a circular medal. Surrounding the monkey are elements of nature such as plants and flowers, alongside a human skull in the lower right quadrant. A bird is seen perched on a branch in the background, with additional lettering. The material of the sculpture is bronze, giving it a rich brown hue with an aged patina. The detailed textures and features across the surface add a realistic quality to the figures depicted, creating an intricate scene from nature on the metal disc.
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On View

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G1


Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The image shows a round medal with a sculpted relief of an elderly man's bust. The man is identified as Charles Robert Darwin by the raised inscription encircling the edge. The material of the medal appears to be bronze, displaying a warm, metallic brown color with hints of lighter, polished surfaces around the raised areas. The three-dimensional relief contrasts with the darker recesses to provide depth and definition. The man's image is in profile, slightly turned to his left, against the predominantly flat surface of the medal. His attire consists of a coat, and he has a serious expression on his face typical of medallions commemorating significant figures.

Centennial of the Birth of Charles Darwin, 1809-1882 [obverse]

Karl Goetz

1909


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Purchased by Dr. Stephen K. and Janie Woo Scher, Kinnelon, New Jersey; gift 2004 to NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

upper right across the field: MDCCCIX. / MCMIX; on the stele: PHYTOPHY / SIOLOGIE / ENTO / MOLOGIE / ZOOLOG / IE / K-- / GOETZ; stamped on bottom edge: K.GOETZ

Wikidata ID

Q63864175

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