Artwork
Monkey Hanging on to a Branch
Monkey Hanging on to a Branch is an unspecified painting by the Joseon dynasty painting artist Mori Sosen. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1949.381
- Credit line
- Gift of Mrs. John A. Hadden
About this work
If you like how this animal is shown with such care, look up Mori Sosen (Japanese, 1747–1821).
A brown monkey hangs from a tree branch with one hand, its tail wrapped tightly for support. It looks sideways, alert and still, against a plain background with no extra details.
Mori Sosen painted monkeys many times during his life. He studied live animals to get their fur, movement, and faces just right. This attention to real behavior was not common at the time.
His works show both careful observation and respect for nature. The pose feels natural, not staged or funny, which was typical in some art back then.
If you like how this animal is shown with such care, look up Mori Sosen (Japanese, 1747–1821).
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Overview
Monkey Hanging on to a Branch is a painting by Japanese artist Mori Sosen, dated to 1780, and part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a brown monkey suspended from a tree branch with one hand, its tail coiled for support, conveying a sense of natural, alert stillness against a minimalist background.
Technique & Style
Mori Sosen's meticulous study of live animals is evident in the piece, reflecting his uncommon dedication to accurately capturing fur, movement, and facial expressions of his subjects.
History & Provenance
Created in 1780 by Mori Sosen (1747–1821), the work is characteristic of the artist's recurrent theme of depicting monkeys, distinguished by its naturalistic and respectful portrayal.
Artist & collection
