Aap before 1650

This is Antonio Tempesta's "Aap," a small but striking engraving. The print immediately draws us in with its meticulous detail, achieved through fine, closely-knit lines that define the contours and textures of the monkey. Tempesta's technique reveals much about the period's fascination with natural history and the burgeoning scientific inquiry of the time. Look closely at how the lines vary in thickness and density, creating a sense of volume and depth, especially noticeable in the animal's fur. The composition is carefully balanced, placing the monkey centrally, allowing us to examine it. The use of line not only describes the form but also conveys a sense of the monkey's presence. The formal structure of the image acts as a semiotic system, reflecting cultural attitudes towards the natural world. This engraving provides insight into how early modern Europeans perceived and categorized the world around them. Note how the 'Aap' prompts us to question the boundaries between humans and animals.