Bronze sculpture “Monkey with Skull” (1892-93) by Wolfgang Hugo Rheinhold

In Wolfgang Hugo Rheinhold's sculpture "Monkey with Skull," the debate surrounding Charles Darwin's work is depicted in a humorous and iconographic way. The monkey, handling a tool for measuring skulls, symbolizes not only Darwin's theory of evolution but also the pursuit of knowledge. The inscription "Eritis sicut deus" (He is tempted like God) alludes to the temptation of Adam and Eve in Paradise, which ultimately leads to consequences. The sculpture thus brings to light philosophical questions about knowledge and its implications—an important experience of the 20th century that remains relevant today.