The Barber's Shop c. 17th century

Curator: This is Coryn Boel's "The Barber's Shop," an etching measuring about 24 by 31 centimeters. Editor: It’s immediately striking how bizarre it is! Monkeys aping human tasks—there’s something unsettling about seeing our rituals reflected back in this way. Curator: The "singerie," or monkey genre, was popular in the 17th century, often satirizing human behavior. Think of it as a commentary on societal norms, filtered through a primate lens. Editor: Right, these monkeys aren't just cute; they're symbols. The barber, traditionally associated with surgery, suggests a critique of medicine. And the overall image mocks the vanity and social climbing of the time. Curator: Exactly. Boel presents a skewed mirror to his contemporaries, highlighting follies through the antics of these simian characters. The humor is biting, yet revealing. Editor: Well, it's certainly made me reflect on the performance inherent in daily life! Curator: It invites a deeper look at societal values, even today.