Spring Monkeys and Other Species, 1836, Lithographs, Set of 2

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These two lithographs depict various species of monkeys, presented in a naturalistic and detailed manner, created by Carel Christiaan Antony … Read more These two lithographs depict various species of monkeys, presented in a naturalistic and detailed manner, created by Carel Christiaan Antony Last for Heinrich Rudolf Schinz's *Volledige Natuurlijke Historie der Zoogdieren*. Published in 1836 by S. de Visser en Zoon in The Hague, these illustrations are part of a comprehensive effort to document the world's mammalian species, emphasizing both their biological characteristics and behaviors. The first lithograph (Pl. 27) features two monkeys, *De geplukte Springaap* (the plucked Spring Monkey) and *De roode Springaap* (the red Spring Monkey). Both are shown in a walking posture, with their long tails and slender limbs carefully rendered. The illustration focuses on the animals' anatomy, highlighting their agility and balance, as these monkeys are typically known for their leaping abilities and arboreal lifestyle. The second lithograph (Pl. 28) presents four additional species of monkeys, each engaged in a seated activity. The monkeys are labeled as *De Douc* (a), *De Langmoes* (b), *De witneuzige Meerkat* (c), and *De Atree* (d). The scene captures the animals interacting with objects, perhaps a reference to their inquisitive and playful nature. The detailed attention to their fur texture, facial expressions, and postures reflects a European fascination with the diverse behaviors of exotic animals, particularly primates. These prints were part of a larger trend during the 19th century, where European naturalists and artists sought to document the world's fauna in both scientific and artistic formats. The collaboration between artists like C.C. Last and naturalists like Schinz was intended to provide European audiences with accurate depictions of species from distant lands, combining scientific observation with artistic skill. See less