Two Apes and Two Monkeys

c. 1597

Adriaen Collaert

Associated Names
Adriaen Collaert

Artist, Flemish, Flemish, 1560 - 1618

The image is an etching with a ground-level perspective featuring animal-like figures and a distant landscape. Closest to the viewer, there are three prominent creatures: one resembling a monkey-human hybrid, one with a long body, and a lion-like figure with a bushy mane. The background shows a village or town with church spires and buildings, extending to hills or mountains in the far horizon. The etching technique is detailed with fine lines for textures on the animals and trees. The color scheme is monochromatic with shades of gray and black, enhancing shadows, highlights, and light effects. Water with sailing boats is seen in the distance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 12.4 × 19 cm (4 7/8 × 7 1/2 in.)
    sheet: 12.8 × 19.4 cm (5 1/16 × 7 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1972.28.84

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 1476, State i/ii

  • Series Title

    Animalium Quadrupedum: pl.1 [New Holl. 1462-1481]

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Lucien Goldschmidt, Inc., New York); purchased by the NGA, 1972.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2025

  • Little Beasts: Art Wonder and the Natural World, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 2025.

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Collaert Dynasty, Ann Diels and Marjolein Leesburg, authors). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 1476, state i/ii.

Wikidata ID

Q65564304

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