Pijprokende aap op tak 1696 - 1765

This small print, "Pijprokende aap op tak," or "Monkey Smoking Pipe on Branch," was made by Isaac Walraven using etching, a printmaking process involving acid to create lines on a metal plate. Etching allowed for the creation of detailed images, and the monkey subject reflects the period's fascination with exotic animals, often imbued with human characteristics for satirical effect. The choice of etching as a medium suggests a deliberate engagement with the print market. Prints like these were easily reproducible, affordable, and reached a broad audience, contributing to the spread of ideas and social commentary. The print's small scale indicates it was likely intended for personal collections or as part of a larger series, fitting into the broader culture of collecting and connoisseurship. Understanding the materials and processes used, alongside its circulation, allows us to see this image not just as a curiosity, but as a commentary embedded in the social and economic landscape of its time.