Staande monnik met collectebus 1724

Curator: I'm struck by the whimsy of this little engraving. The piece, called "Standing Monk with Collection Box", was crafted in 1724 by Jacob Gole. Editor: Whimsy's the word. There's almost a caricatured quality to this monk. The line work, so delicate, gives him this surprisingly lively and irreverent air. What's with the monkey, though? Curator: Well, monkeys often played a complex symbolic role. Consider that period: Were monkeys simple domestic additions to a monk's daily surrounding or some kind of symbolic satire? It could represent base instincts or worldly distractions. The Church was powerful, and you have to watch carefully with religious figures that maybe there are more complex undercurrents at play here, such as satire. Editor: Hmm, base instincts versus celestial calling. It feels spot-on with how Gole captured that squint and those heavy robes. The monkey just perched there... kind of innocently complicit? It looks like a mischievous parrot to me! The way he's clutching that coin box, and is that another coin he's examining? The engraving's title indicates a monk who wants a donation, while carrying an additional bit of income, with his pal the monkey! Curator: Precisely! The engraving is simple. And those visual choices could indicate that there might have been very little support to the poorer monks on a day-to-day basis. The collection box itself could suggest generosity and piety, though here, maybe tainted with self-interest. I do agree with you that he seems lively, as monks were typically depicted in still or calm settings, at the very least more noble! I wonder if there are more engravings depicting monks, which are similar in their composition, for satire purposes. Editor: Exactly! Overall, the aged paper and fine lines definitely give the impression of another world. It certainly made me think and, honestly, chuckle a little! Curator: And hopefully, reflect on the symbolism that’s carried through time! Editor: Definitely food for thought, and fun for the eyes!