Monkey with Skull

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This model is based on the sculpture Monkey with Skull, a satirical and philosophical work originally created by Hugo Rheinhold in 1893. The scene depicts a chimpanzee contemplating a human skull while perched atop a stack of books, one of which bears Darwin’s name. A powerful commentary on evolution, reason, and mortality, this composition merges visual wit with intellectual weight. The version scanned here is a copy located in Au von Tulln, Austria, and was shared via Scan the World, scanned by Niederösterreich3D and posted by Noe 3D.

 

I began with the .stl file and imported it into Bambu Studio. I reduced and simplified the base to more closely match the proportions and massing of the original sculpture by Rheinhold. I also maximized the scale for A1, P1, and X1 printers, preserving detail in the facial expression, fingers, and cluttered base while maintaining stability. Custom supports were added carefully to protect thin and overhanging parts.

 

Printed in Elegoo Marble PLA using the Generic High-Speed PLA profile. After printing, I used a file and fine-grit sandpaper to remove support marks.

Note: Tall prints can lose adhesion in the final moments. Please wash your build plate prior to printing. Or consider scaling down 10%. I've also had really good luck using BIQU Cryogrip Pro Frostbite build plates.