Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine different possible meanings of the expression “Watteau’s monkeys”. In its literal sense, it leads us to those works of the artist which represent monkeys: to the arabesque entitled The Monkeys of Mars, to the engraving called Amour mal accompagné and to his two paintings in which monkey artists can be found. In a more abstract and theoretical sense, this expression is related – in a pejorative way – to artistic imitation: it may refer to Watteau’s epigones, who made an attempt to create fête galante paintings in the manner of the artist. These two meanings intertwine in the symbolism traditionally attached to the figure of the monkey, the animal which has a reputation for being an excellent imitator, as the proverb ars simia naturae puts it, art is the monkey of nature.