Aap before 1650

"Aap" (meaning "Ape" in Dutch), a detailed etching by Antonio Tempesta, depicts a realistic, almost life-like, portrayal of a dog-headed ape, a mythical creature, or perhaps a depiction of a real animal seen as such at the time. The artist, famous for his detailed depictions of animals, uses hatching and cross-hatching to render the creature's fur with incredible detail. The etching is part of a larger series of animal illustrations, showcasing Tempesta's mastery of the technique and his fascination with the natural world. It was likely created before 1650, as Tempesta died in 1630. The image provides a window into early modern zoological depictions, revealing how people imagined and interpreted the natural world, before scientific exploration and documentation became more prevalent.