Ape with Skull (Affe mit Schädel) Sculpture

This is a reproduction sculpture based on the famous 'Ape with Skull' (Affe mit Schädel) created by Hugo Rheinhold in 1892. The piece depicts a chimpanzee sitting atop a stack of books, contemplating a human skull in its hand, which is an allusion to Hamlet and a response to the Darwinian evolution debates of the late 19th century. One of the books beneath the chimpanzee is clearly inscribed with the name 'DARWIN'. The figure is finished in a metallic bronze-tone patina over what appears to be a heavy composite or plaster-like material, evidenced by the white chips visible on the surface. These chips are prominent on the base, the monkey's arm, and the knee, revealing a lack of solid metal construction. The sculpture sits on a tiered rectangular plinth. The anatomical detailing of the chimpanzee and the texture of the book pages show moderate craftsmanship typical of mid-to-late 20th-century decorative reproductions. The condition is fair, showing multiple surface abrasions and paint losses that detract from its aesthetic value.