What does the monkey in Seurat painting Sunday in the park mean?

Answer 1

In Georges Seurat's painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," the monkey symbolizes the themes of social status and the exoticism of leisure. It reflects the Victorian fascination with nature and the animal kingdom, while also serving as a contrast to the human figures, hinting at the complexities of civilization versus the wild. The presence of the monkey can also suggest the artificiality of the social interactions depicted in the painting, emphasizing the disconnect between human behavior and natural instincts.