The ornamental theme known as 'monkeys at play' in decorative arts is called what?

The ornamental theme known as 'monkeys at play' in decorative arts is called what?

• A. Verdure
• B. Marquetry
• C. Singeries
• D. Gadrooning

Answer: (C)

Singeries are decorative scenes that show monkeys behaving like people—monkeys in clothes performing human activities on furniture, porcelain, murals, and other objects. The word comes from the French singe, meaning monkey, and this playful motif became popular in 18th‑century French decoration as part of the broader interest in chinoiserie. This specific term names the subject of monkeys at play, setting it apart from other decorative ideas: verdure refers to lush plant scenery, marquetry is the inlay technique used to create pictures in wood veneers, and gadrooning is a rope-like moulded ornament on surfaces. So the theme of monkeys at play is called singeries.

Singeries are decorative scenes that show monkeys behaving like people—monkeys in clothes performing human activities on furniture, porcelain, murals, and other objects. The word comes from the French singe, meaning monkey, and this playful motif became popular in 18th‑century French decoration as part of the broader interest in chinoiserie. This specific term names the subject of monkeys at play, setting it apart from other decorative ideas: verdure refers to lush plant scenery, marquetry is the inlay technique used to create pictures in wood veneers, and gadrooning is a rope-like moulded ornament on surfaces. So the theme of monkeys at play is called singeries.