Kindren in dit viertal schepsels, aan het dierenryk ontleend, / Vindt gy weder zoo veel meesters; immers dat 's by ons gemeend; / In dien geest zyn ook de versjens, onder ieder beest, gesteld: / Overweegt dan, wel aandachtig, wat elk versjen u vertelt 1806 - 1830

This undated print by Johan Noman, preserved at the Rijksmuseum, presents four animals, each embodying a moral lesson. The dog, cat, elephant, and monkey, each within its framed vignette, are more than mere beasts; they are mirrors reflecting human virtues and follies. Consider the monkey and its young, an image resonant with echoes of the Madonna and Child. This primate pairing touches upon profound themes of nurture and protection. Yet, the monkey, often a symbol of mimicry and foolishness, introduces a subtle critique. The maternal embrace, a universal symbol of love and care, is here tinged with irony, questioning the authenticity of instinct versus learned behavior. From ancient Egyptian baboons worshipping the rising sun to Renaissance allegories of the senses, the monkey has long been a vessel for human projections. Like the caduceus entwined with serpents, symbols evolve, shedding old skins for new. This image reminds us that even the most tender gestures can be complex, layered with cultural and psychological baggage accumulated across millennia.