Studieblad med papegøjer og abe 1550 - 1650

This is Frans Snijders’s ‘Studieblad med papegøjer og abe’, a study sheet with parrots and a monkey, created using pen and brown ink, and some red chalk. Snijders was one of the earliest animaliers, a specialist in animal painting, in the history of European painting. These sketches made sometime in the 17th century, capture more than just the likenesses of exotic creatures; they provide a glimpse into the early modern period's fascination with the natural world and global exploration. During this time, increased maritime trade brought people into contact with previously unknown species, sparking curiosity and a desire to document and understand this new biodiversity. Monkeys and parrots, often seen as luxury items or pets, became symbols of wealth and status. Snijders captures these creatures with a keen eye, portraying them with a blend of scientific curiosity and artistic flair. The monkey reaching out to the parrot hints at the complex relationships between humans and animals, and invites us to reflect on the exoticization and commodification of nature.