Vlooiende apen 1878 - 1887

Heinrich Krabbé made this etching of two monkeys grooming each other sometime between 1880 and 1931. At first glance it appears to be a simple animal study, but the cultural context adds layers of meaning. Krabbé was Dutch, and the Netherlands had a long history as a center for scientific study, especially of the natural world. Zoos were becoming popular attractions, where the public could see exotic animals up close. But It’s important to remember that these animals were often taken from their native habitats, a consequence of colonial expansion. This print invites us to consider how European society viewed and interacted with the natural world. Art historians can study Krabbé’s other works, exhibition records, and publications about zoos to understand the social and intellectual world that influenced this image. Appreciating art requires us to consider its wider cultural context.