Boer bij een rokende aap 1628 - 1648

Jan Matham created this striking engraving, titled "Boer bij een rokende aap," sometime in the 17th century. Dominated by a robust figure of a peasant, the print introduces a peculiar scene with sharp contrasts between light and shadow. A monkey nonchalantly smokes a pipe, presenting an inversion of human behavior, under the gaze of onlookers. The composition is structured around an interplay of gazes. The peasant looks towards the monkey, while another figure stands between the two. This sets up a semiotic relationship, where the monkey’s action signifies a critique of human habits, observed through social hierarchy. Notice the rough texture achieved through detailed engraving, a technique that allows Matham to explore themes of social commentary and disrupt traditional notions of decorum. The print challenges fixed meanings, using the absurd to invite viewers to reconsider their values and assumptions. The detailed lines contribute to the overall discourse, adding depth and layers to its reception.