Apen en beren 1778 - 1785

"Apen en beren" (Monkeys and Bears) is an etching by Dutch artist Noach van der Meer (II), created between 1778 and 1785. The artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a lively scene in a wooded landscape with monkeys climbing trees and bears foraging on the forest floor. This detailed etching showcases van der Meer's skill in capturing the natural world, using fine lines to create a sense of depth and movement in the animals and their surroundings. The title suggests a possible fable or moral lesson, reflecting the popularity of such narratives in Dutch art during this period.