The ape, the cat and the roast chestnuts, plate
(c. 1875)
- Medium
- earthenware
- Measurements
- 2.4 × 22.4 cm diameter
- Place/s of Execution
- England
- Inscription
- impressed in base u.c.: MINTONS
- Accession Number
- 2012.111
- Department
- International Decorative Arts
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
The Dr Robert Wilson Collection. Gift of Dr Robert Wilson, 2012 - Gallery location
- Not on display
- About this work
-
This work is inspired by an old fable about a monkey and cat who are household pets and friends. One day the monkey spies some chestnuts roasting on the fire and, having the more dominant personality, persuades the cat to retrieve them. The cat burns its paws in the process and the monkey eats all the chestnuts despite having promised to share. The fable is an anthropomorphic tale about tricking people into doing your dirty work.
