Gevecht tussen apen 1667 - 1727

Michiel Carree created this drawing of a monkey fight in the Netherlands sometime in the late 17th or early 18th century. At first glance, it seems like a simple comic scene, but this artwork is an example of the popular early modern genre of "singerie," or "monkey trick." The scene presents monkeys dressed as humans, mimicking human behaviors – in this case, a violent brawl, complete with weapons and a chaotic mob. The tradition of "singerie" served as a satirical commentary on human society. By attributing human follies to monkeys, artists like Carree could critique social norms, political events, and even the art world itself. This drawing is therefore, in a sense, a form of political and social critique, cleverly disguised in humor. To understand this artwork better, we need to explore the broader visual culture of the Dutch Golden Age, delving into its emblem books, popular prints, and theatrical traditions. These sources reveal the ways in which artists used animal allegories to reflect on the human condition and challenge the status quo.