Monkey Dandy, from Monkey-ana, or Men in Miniature

Art Historical Context

"Monkey Dandy, from *Monkey-ana, or in Miniature*" is a delightful etching created by Thomas Landseer in July 1828, by Moon, Boys & with contributions from Pieri Bernard. of a whimsical series, this print captures a monkey fancifully dressed as a fashionable dandy, complete with top hat and tailcoat, satirizing the dapper gentlemen of Regency-era London society. Landseer, brother of renowned animal painter Edwin Landseer drew from the British tradition of anthropomorphic caricature, where animals lampoon human follies—a popular motif in early 19th-century prints that entertained the growing middle class. The artwork exemplifies etching on chine collé, a refined technique where a delicate sheet of Chinese paper is adhered to a sturdier support during printing. This method allowed for intricate details and subtle tonal effects in the monkey's expressive face and ornate attire, enhancing the print's finesse. Measuring just 7 7/8 x 6 7/16 inches on the plate, its compact scale made it ideal for collectors' albums. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department as part of The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, this piece reflects the era's blend of humor and artistry, inviting viewers to chuckle at the absurdities of fashion and vanity through a primate's mischievous gaze. A charming window into 1820s satirical culture!

About the Artist

Thomas Landseer|Moon, Boys & Graves|Pieri Bernard · 1795–1880

**Thomas Landseer** (1795–1880) was a British engraver and etcher renowned for his masterful reproductions of his younger brother Edwin Landseer’s animal paintings, which helped popularize the latter’s work across Victorian Britain. Born in London as the eldest of fourteen children to engraver John Landseer and actress Jane Potts, Thomas was one of only seven siblings to reach adulthood; his broth...