Steekspel op het water 1545 - 1608

This engraving, made by Pieter van der Borcht, captures a whimsical scene of monkeys engaging in a "Steekspel op het water," or water jousting. Here, the image is loaded with symbolism. Monkeys, often associated with foolishness, mimic human behavior. A collective memory of satire is invoked, as the image taps into a long-standing tradition of depicting monkeys in art to mock human society. We see them parading in boats, jousting, and even drowning, mirroring the follies and chaos of human life. In Renaissance art, monkeys also symbolized base instincts, a stark contrast to reason and order. This juxtaposition brings forth a psychological tension. Consider how these depictions have evolved: from ancient Egyptian art where monkeys were sacred, to the medieval bestiaries where they represented vice. Here, they are players in a complex performance, reflecting humanity's own absurd theater. The playful yet critical lens through which we view these simian antics reminds us that the line between the rational and the irrational is often blurred. This artwork acts as a mirror reflecting the cyclical nature of human folly.