Ruins with Monkeys and an Owl

c. 1650

Bernhard Zaech after Jonas Umbach

Associated Names
Bernhard Zaech

Artist, German, active c. 1650

Jonas Umbach

Artist After, German, c. 1624 - 1693

The image displays three monkeys in a classical ruin setting. One monkey is seated on a broken structure, another is on a pedestal, and a third sits on a stone urn. The composition emphasizes the ruins and the monkeys' presence. The sky features swirling clouds created through engravings, adding texture. The color palette is monochromatic, predominantly grey and black. The overall scene suggests a classical and whimsical atmosphere through architectural elements and animal interaction.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    complete set of 6 etchings on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 19.3 x 13.4 cm (7 5/8 x 5 1/4 in.)
    sheet: 19.8 x 13.8 cm (7 13/16 x 5 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2001.13.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Nagler, no. 4

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

William Esdaile, London (1758 - 1837) (Lugt 2617); (Guy van Hoorbeke, Bruges); purchased 2000 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1835

  • Nagler, G.K. Neues allgemeines Kunstler-Lexikon, oder Nachrichten von dem Leben und den Werken der Maler, Bildhauer, Baumeister, Kupferstecher, Formschneider, Lithographen, Zeichner, Medailleure, Elfenbeinarbeiter, etc.. 22 vols. Munich: E.A. Fleischmann, no. 4.

Wikidata ID

Q76336635

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