Kraamkamer van de apen - Matthijs Pool

A satirical eighteenth-century etching depicting monkeys engaged in human domestic activities, a classic example of the singerie genre.

This etching by Matthijs Pool belongs to the genre of singerie, a decorative style popular in the early eighteenth century that depicts monkeys mimicking human behaviour. The scene presents a domestic interior, specifically a nursery, where anthropomorphised monkeys engage in the daily routines of a human household. One figure rests in a bed with a canopy, while others attend to a newborn, prepare food, or smoke by the hearth. The composition is structured with a clear sense of depth, utilising the furniture and architectural elements to define the space.

Pool, an Amsterdam-based engraver and publisher, captures the satirical nature of the subject through precise line work. The monkeys are dressed in contemporary garments, reflecting the fashion of the period. The inclusion of text at the base of the print provides a commentary on the scene, blending French and Dutch verses to underscore the absurdity of the human-like actions performed by the animals. This work demonstrates the technical proficiency of Dutch printmaking during the period, with fine hatching used to create texture in the fabrics and shadows within the room.

Such prints were often produced for collectors who appreciated the wit and social critique inherent in the singerie tradition. By placing animals in roles typically reserved for humans, the artist invites the viewer to observe the performative aspects of social life. The print remains a curious example of how eighteenth-century artists used humour and allegory to explore themes of human nature and societal norms. The attention to detail, from the domestic objects to the expressions on the faces of the monkeys, provides a glimpse into the aesthetic preferences of the time.