Verschillende apen 1581 - 1600

This print of various monkeys was made by an anonymous artist, using the technique of engraving. Engraving involves using a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed, so we’re looking at an image created through a labor-intensive, indirect process. The graphic quality of the lines is very distinctive. Notice how the varying thickness and density create the illusion of form and texture, giving the monkeys a surprisingly lifelike presence. The choice of engraving as a medium speaks to a culture of reproduction and dissemination of knowledge. Prints like these were often included in scientific texts or used as a means of circulating images of exotic animals to a wider audience. In a sense, the print becomes a commodity, a product of skilled labor that reflects both scientific curiosity and the beginnings of a globalized world. By considering the materials and processes involved in its making, we can appreciate how this anonymous print participates in broader social and cultural networks.