Frz. Spenger Monkey looking at a skull

About this piece

Carved monkey looking at a skull. Wolfgang Hugo Rheinhold exhibited at the Great Berlin Art Exhibition in 1893 a sculpture of a chimpanzee studying a human skull while sitting on a number of books (Affe, einen Schädel betrachtend).
The image was based on Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, which was of course the subject of considerable discussion. That is why a sculpture like this is also called 'the Darwin monkey'.

Several artists have also depicted this theme, including Spenger.

The sculpture is signed on the base with 'Frz. Spenger' and is made between 1920-1930. It belongs for a long time in the same art collection, not much is know about the artist.

Condition

Some cracks have appeared in the wood over time, these have been repaired by a professional furniture restorer.