Apen als apotheker, ca. 1720 1720

Around 1720, Matthijs Pool created this etching, now held in the Rijksmuseum, which depicts monkeys in the setting of an apothecary shop. In the 18th century, images of monkeys imitating human activities were a popular satirical genre, often reflecting social and political commentary. Here, the choice to represent monkeys as apothecaries could be interpreted on a few different levels. The figures might be seen as a commentary on the medical profession, perhaps questioning the competence or ethics of practitioners. It is also important to consider the complicated relationship between humans and animals, and the ways in which these images might underscore perceived differences or similarities. The print also hints at the social hierarchies of the time. The presence of monkeys dressed in fine clothing could be a commentary on social mobility or class distinctions. The work serves as a reminder of how art can both reflect and shape cultural attitudes, inviting viewers to critically examine the values and norms of their own society.