Schoolklas met apen 1720 - 1767

This engraving, by Leonard Schenk, presents us with a classroom scene populated by monkeys. The dominant image is that of the ‘simia scholaris,’ a monkey mimicking human learning, a symbol laden with interpretations. Observe the central ape, a jester-like figure wielding a mallet as he presides over the chaotic schoolroom, a clear mockery of human education and governance. This satire echoes through the ages, reminiscent of medieval marginalia where animals often mirrored human follies. The owl on the wall is a symbol of wisdom, subverted in this context to highlight the foolishness of these simian students. The enduring appeal of the monkey motif lies in its ability to expose the vanity and absurdity of human endeavors. It’s an image that resurfaces time and again in art, literature, and cultural commentary, always reflecting a deeper, often unsettling, truth about ourselves. The simian’s mimicry serves as a mirror, forcing us to confront our own potential for irrationality.