Monkey Settee

Judy Kensley McKie, Monkey Settee, 1995, walnut and bronze, 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
Copied 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
Date
1995
Location
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
Mediums Description
walnut and bronze
Classifications
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.