Monkey Settee

Judy Kensley McKie, Monkey Settee, 1995, walnut and bronze, 35 ¹⁄₂ x 71 ³⁄₄ x 24 in. (90.2 x 182.2 x 61.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance in honor of Michael W. Monroe, Renwick Gallery Curator-in-Charge, 1986 – 1995, 1995.67, © 1995, Judy Kensley McKie

Artwork Details

Title: Monkey Settee
Artist: Judy Kensley McKie
Date: 1995
Location: Renwick Gallery
/
2nd Floor
/
Room 202
Dimensions: 35 ¹⁄₂ x 71 ³⁄₄ x 24 in. (90.2 x 182.2 x 61.0 cm.)
Copyright: © 1995, Judy Kensley McKie
Credit Line: Gift of the James Renwick Alliance in honor of Michael W. Monroe, Renwick Gallery Curator-in-Charge, 1986 – 1995
Mediums: walnut
bronze
Mediums Description: walnut and bronze
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Furniture
Subjects: Animal — monkey
Object Number: 1995.67
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1995.67

Artwork Description

Inspired by West African throne chairs, Judy McKie’s wooden settee is animated by the cast bronze monkeys that form its arms and back. The stylized creatures have an air of mystery—are they friendly, menacing, or a bit of both? Such enigmatic animals are a hallmark of McKie’s functional furniture.