The Monkeys of Mars n.d.

Jean Moyreau's "The Monkeys of Mars" is a print, likely made using etching or engraving techniques, resulting in delicate lines on paper. The print's creation involves significant labor. First, the image is carefully incised into a metal plate, demanding precision and skill. Ink is then applied, and the plate pressed onto paper, transferring the image. This process requires repetitive, skilled work, highlighting the economy of printmaking, where multiples can be produced from a single matrix. The image itself is a 'singerie' or 'monkey trick', mocking the pomposity of the aristocracy. The choice of printmaking underscores this satirical intent, making the critique accessible to a wider audience. The contrast between the laborious process of creation and the playful, subversive content is striking. Ultimately, "The Monkeys of Mars" underscores how materials and making intertwine with social commentary, blurring the lines between art, craft, and political expression.