A Seated Monkey on a Chain — History & Facts
With masterly strokes and hatching, Hendrick Goltzius drew this Asian rhesus monkey, recognizable by its pinkish face, framed by fur. He devoted a great deal of attention to the faithful rendering of the fur, cleverly using the white of the paper to create subtle contrasts of light and dark. A fettered monkey had a special meaning, alluding to sinful man who is shackled to the earth through his lust for wealth.
More Artworks by Hendrick Goltzius
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Portret van Willem van Oranje
Hendrick Goltzius
Portret van een theoloog
Hendrick Goltzius
Twee zittende vrouwelijke naakten
Hendrick Goltzius
Portret van Frederik de Vries
Hendrick Goltzius
Staande Juno
Hendrick Goltzius
Portret van Gillis van Breen, tekenend of hout snijdend
Hendrick Goltzius
Lot and his Daughters
Hendrick Goltzius
