Keukeninterieur met geklede apen 1797 - 1845

Pierre Joseph Tavernier created this print, "Keukeninterieur met geklede apen", using a technique that allowed for its wide distribution. Look closely, and you'll see it’s not just the subject that's interesting, but also the method Tavernier chose. Printmaking, especially in the 19th century, was a powerful tool. It democratized art, making images accessible to a broader public. The fine lines and detailed textures you see here were achieved through careful work on a metal plate, probably copper or steel. This required skill and time, yet allowed many identical images to be produced. The choice of a kitchen scene with monkeys dressed as humans invites us to consider social hierarchies and labor. Is Tavernier commenting on the division of labor? The labor that goes into the printmaking and the labor shown in the image. This print challenges us to think about art's role in reflecting, and perhaps even shaping, our understanding of society.