Fox and monkey
What an interesting figure of a fox and monkey, 4 3/4” tall. The figure is rare and probably represents one of Aesop’s Fables called “The Fox and the Monkey”.
It is circa 1840, partially painted in the round, and has a solid base. Other Aesop’s Fables’ Staffordshire figures with foxes can be found in Harding Book Two, pages 339-340, figures 3346 D, E and F.
The story of “The Fox and the Monkey” from Aesop’s Fables
One day Monkey dances for all the animals. His dancing is so entertaining, the animals make him King. Only Fox is not impressed. She comes across a hunter’s trap set with meat and tricks Monkey into believing she has discovered a bountiful feast in the forest, ready for him to claim for the animals. As soon as Monkey sees the meat he greedily pounces on it, trapping his paw. Angry and in pain, Monkey blames Fox for deceiving him, but Monkey’s selfishness and naivity is just more proof to Fox that Monkey is not fit to be King. “A ruler needs many talents,” says Fox.
