The Monkey Antiquarian
Medium
Etching with engraving in black on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Image: 27.6 × 22.8 cm (10 7/8 × 9 in.); Plate: 31.3 × 24.5 cm (12 3/8 × 9 11/16 in.); Sheet: 31.8 × 25 cm (12 9/16 × 9 7/8 in.)
Classification
etching
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
8715
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The image of the antiquarian was perhaps somewhat less popular than that of the monkey painter, but these two prints were frequently reproduced. The caption here translates: In the obscure maze of ancient monuments Why, learned man, do you put yourself to so much trouble? For truly philosophical eyes, our century Provides enough to keep one busy.