Aap op de rug van een hond 1675 - 1696

This print, "Aap op de rug van een hond" by Jan van Somer, presents a playful image rendered through engraving, a process that requires considerable skill and time. Engraving involves meticulously carving lines into a metal plate, inking the plate, and then pressing it onto paper. Look closely, and you can see the fineness of the lines that define the figures of the monkey and the dog, as well as the classical statue in the background. The image itself carries social significance. Representations of monkeys often served as satirical commentary on human behavior. Here, the monkey atop the dog might symbolize the idea of the world turned upside down, and point to an implicit commentary on the relationship between humans and animals, and perhaps even different social classes. Considering the labor-intensive process of engraving and the satirical content, this artwork reminds us that even seemingly simple images are embedded with cultural meaning and skillful making. By appreciating the artistry of the printmaker, we expand our understanding of both craft and social commentary.