Trommelaar 1733 - 1792

This print, "Trommelaar" or "Le Tambourin" in French, was created by Jean Baptiste Guélard, and presents a monkey dressed as a drummer. The print is intriguing for its social commentary, reflecting a popular theme in European art, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. Images of monkeys in human clothing satirized human behavior, and often poked fun at social conventions. The choice of a drummer may represent the military, a popular object of satire in France, or musicians who were seen as lowly figures. This image creates meaning through its visual codes, which would have been readily understood by contemporary audiences. To fully appreciate this print, one would research French social customs and class structure. The Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris would hold many resources. By understanding the social context, we can decode the image's intent and appreciate its critique of societal norms. Art's meaning always remains contingent on its social and institutional setting.