signed and inscribed ‘M: Pool Exc: Amsterdam/ Op de Leise graft by de Heeren graft’ (in the plates)
engravings, 16 prints with a title page, watermark Arms of Amsterdam
16.4 x 20 cm (plate); 19.8 x 32 cm (sheet)
Wurzbach 42; Frederik Muller 3696 [1] (the title page not described)
Good impressions with wide margins, the sheets are somewhat discoloured and there is some occasional surface dirt (especially in the first few sheets), otherwise a fine and complete set

In the mid-16th century Pieter van der Borcht (circa 1530-1608) introduced a new genre through a series of eighteen engravings that would later become known as ‘singeries’ (derived from the French word for monkey ‘singe’)- a type of artwork that features monkeys mimicking human behaviour. [2] The theme was later further developed by Pieter Breughel II (1564-1638) and David Teniers II (1610-1690) in their paintings. As the present rare series of engravings demonstrates, its popularity had not waned at the turn of the 18th century. Like the singeries from generations before, Matthijs Pool’s engravings show monkeys obtained in a variety of activities such as trading, performing on stage and in a circus, drinking coffee and slaughtering pigs. Like the paintings by Breughel and Teniers, these scenes are rich in irony, serving as playful mirrors to society by satirizing human behaviour. The clientele for these prints and paintings were mostly members of the Dutch and Flemish bourgeoisie, but they also found their way to European royal courts. And while created centuries ago, their messages appear still relevant today.

[1] F. Muller, 'De Nederlandse geschiedenis in platen. Beredeneerde beschrijving van Nederlandsche Historieplaten, zinneprenten en historische kaarten. […]', Amsterdam, 1863-1870, vol. 2, p. 135.
[2] The New Hollstein 182-199.