Apen in oorlog 1720 - 1767

Leonard Schenk etched "Apen in Oorlog," or "Apes at War," using engraving techniques. Here, monkeys are dressed in human clothes and mimic military actions, symbolizing the absurdity of human conflict. This 'singerie' motif reflects the societal critiques popular during the Enlightenment. Monkeys, historically, have been symbols of imitation and foolishness. We can see similar uses of animals to critique human folly stretching back to Aesop's fables, and even further. The choice of monkeys taps into a deep-seated psychological association with our primal selves, suggesting a lack of reason. Consider how, across cultures, animalistic traits are often used to depict the base, instinctual aspects of human nature. Ultimately, the image engages viewers by highlighting the nonsensical nature of war. By using monkeys, Schenk provokes a powerful, subconscious recognition of humanity’s self-destructive tendencies, reflecting how symbols evolve, and in different contexts, carry a message of introspection on human folly.