Apen Possibly 1778 - 1787

This pencil drawing by Dutch artist Jan Brandes depicts three monkeys in various postures, likely drawn from life. Executed in the late 18th century, the work demonstrates Brandes’ interest in animal anatomy and naturalism. The loose, gestural lines capture the monkeys’ movements and expressions, revealing a keen eye for observation. The work’s small size suggests it might have been a private study, illustrating the artist’s constant exploration of his subject matter.