Two Monkeys Playing Cards c. 17th century

Curator: This is Coryn Boel’s etching, "Two Monkeys Playing Cards." The print depicts a scene of leisure with anthropomorphic monkeys. It’s remarkably detailed given its small size. Editor: The cross-hatching gives it a rough, almost frantic feel. I wonder about the availability of copper plates and etching materials at the time. Curator: It's fascinating to consider this work within the broader history of the era. The 17th century saw increased trade and exploration, impacting perceptions of race, class, and gender. This image normalizes power structures through satire. Editor: Right. The composition, the way the table is set with cards, coins, and the wine glass, all tell a story about social life and material excess. Curator: Indeed. This piece speaks volumes about social commentary through the lens of these primate figures. Editor: Looking closer at the etching technique, it reveals how the social commentary is literally etched into the material. Fascinating.